By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, December 26, 2022
Novak Djokovic is aware of all about creating closure.
The former world No. 1 owns an eye-popping .958 profitable share (896-39 file) when profitable the primary set in his profession.
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Though Djokovic is a powerful finisher, he concedes he has no finish sport in thoughts.
The 35-year-old Serbian will take goal at a record-extending tenth Australian Open crown subsequent month and says he plans to proceed competing “as long as I possibly can.”
“I would like to play as long as I possibly can,” Djokovic told the media at the World Tennis League. “I don’t have really any number in my head. Things are progressing so far pretty well for me. I can’t complain.
“So as long as I play at this level, as long as I have the fire, I’ll keep going.”
Last month, a determined Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3 in the Turin final to make history as the oldest-ever ATP Finals champion—and equal Roger Federer’s record capturing his sixth year-end crown.
After that title, coach Goran Ivanisevic said he believes the best is yet to come for Djokovic.
Why?
Because the 21-time Grand Slam champion is working harder than ever, owns more weapons than the rest of the pack and is driven to surpass rival Rafael Nadal’s men’s major mark of 22 Grand Slams and reach 100 career championships.
“He’s practising even tougher than he when he was 22. That’s why he is nonetheless so good and that is why he is nonetheless going to be even higher,” Ivanisevic said.
“The will to follow, the need to enhance, the need to be higher is superb. He’s taking good care of his physique. In my time we cease tennis with 30, 31. You had been already outdated man prepared to depart.
“But now unbelievable.”
For now, Djokovic, who missed two of the 4 Grand Slams in 2022 because of his unvaccinated standing, is specializing in his Melbourne Park return.
“After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.”
Photo credit score: Mark Peterson/Corleve