Novak Djokovic tells the story of his childhood dream ceaselessly. As a seven-year-old, he needed to win Wimbledon. Little did that younger boy know that he would accomplish a lot, way more.
When the Serbian ultimately launched into his skilled profession, Pete Sampras’ males’s singles report of 14 main titles loomed giant. Djokovic’s chief rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal loomed even bigger.
After successful his fourth US Open trophy on Sunday by defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight units, Djokovic now owns 24 Slam crowns and reveals no indicators of slowing down.
“To be trustworthy with you, I used to be most likely not pondering so intensely and concretely in regards to the historical past of the weeks at No. 1 or most Slams till possibly three years in the past,” mentioned Djokovic, who on Monday begins a record-extending 390th week atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. “Then I realised, ‘Okay, I’m fairly shut for weeks in No. 1. I even have a fairly good likelihood on the Grand Slams if I hold wholesome and if I’m enjoying properly.’
Of course the Slams at that time appeared slightly bit much less reachable than weeks of No. 1, however I believed. I believed that I’ll make it.
“I do not put any quantity proper now in my thoughts on what number of Slams I wish to win till the tip of my profession. I do not actually have any quantity.”
Djokovic has gained a report 12 majors after turning 30, and 7 of the previous 10 Grand Slam tournaments he has performed. For somebody who as soon as thought successful one Wimbledon title was a lofty aim, why put a restrict on what he might obtain?
One of Djokovic’s solely stumbles over the previous few years got here within the US Open last two years in the past in opposition to Medvedev, the identical participant he defeated Sunday. Attempting to develop into the primary man since Rod Laver in 1969 to assert all 4 majors in the identical 12 months, the Serbian faltered and misplaced in straight units, enjoying removed from his finest tennis.
“I actually did my finest within the final 48 hours to not enable the significance of the second and what’s on the road get to my head, as a result of two years in the past that is what occurred, and I underperformed and I wasn’t in a position to be at my finest and I used to be outplayed,” Djokovic mentioned. “So I discovered my lesson. My group, my household knew that the final 24 hours, do not contact me, do not converse to me in regards to the historical past of what is on the road.
“I actually did my finest to maintain issues fairly easy and keep on with the routines that introduced me to the place I’m and deal with this match actually as another match the place I simply must win.”
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Djokovic did simply that. The match was far nearer than the 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 scoreline, although. Medvedev’s technique of dragging out factors appeared to pay dividends midway into the second set, when the eventual champion started displaying indicators of fatigue.
“I do not assume I’ve ever performed an extended set in my life, notably not on this event in opposition to a high participant like Daniil,” Djokovic mentioned. “I feel he was most likely a greater participant within the second set. He deserved to win that set greater than I did. Somehow I managed to show issues round within the tie-break. When it mattered I put one ball into play greater than he did. And that was sufficient.”
Djokovic added: “Honestly, within the second I felt like I used to be dropping air on so many events, and my legs, as properly. I do not recall being so exhausted after rallies actually as I’ve been within the second set.”
One of Djokovic’s huge needs was to be competing for and successful main trophies when his youngsters have been sufficiently old to grasp the magnitude of such an accomplishment. His son, Stefan and daughter, Tara, have been each within the crowd. As the pivotal second set neared the two-hour mark, Djokovic discovered motivation in seeing his daughter courtside.
“She was dealing with me once I was sitting on the bench. And she smiled at me. Every single time I wanted, I suppose that sort of harmless baby vitality, I acquired it from her. When I used to be going by way of the very irritating moments, notably within the second set once I wanted slightly little bit of a push of energy, of simply lightness, I suppose, she gave me a smile, a fist pump,” Djokovic mentioned. “She was into it. It’s so humorous to see that and so fascinating to see that she’s six years outdated, my son is 9, they usually have been each there. They’re each conscious of what is taking place.”
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Once Djokovic earned a two-set lead, he discovered his legs once more and surged to the end line inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. For the fourth time in his profession, Djokovic claimed three majors in a single season. He got here only one match quick — dropping a five-set thriller within the Wimbledon last — of finishing the Grand Slam.
“These are the moments and these are the sort of feelings that I inspire myself with each single day when I’m not enjoying a event. Yeah, often [I am] asking myself, ‘Why do I want this nonetheless at this stage in any case I’ve achieved? How lengthy do I wish to hold going?’” Djokovic mentioned. “I do have these questions in my head, after all. But realizing that I play at such a excessive stage nonetheless and I win the largest tournaments on this sport, I do not wish to do away with this sport or I do not wish to go away this sport if I’m nonetheless on the high, if I’m nonetheless enjoying the way in which I’m enjoying.”
Djokovic’s aim in the beginning of the season was to attempt to win all 4 majors, however he mentioned he would have signed for successful three of 4 and reaching the Wimbledon last. The downside for the remainder of the ATP Tour is that the 36-year-old reveals no indicators of slowing down.
“Eventually sooner or later I’ll go away tennis in about 23, 24 years. And there may be going to be new younger gamers arising,” Djokovic mentioned, cracking a smile. “Until then, I suppose you will see me a bit extra.”
Source: www.atptour.com