NEW YORK (AFP) – After winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, Novak Djokovic assured the media that he remains motivated, healthy and ready to fight for other wins without considering retirement.
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The 36-year-old Serbian defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev in New York to win three of his four Grand Slam titles in his stunning season.
Q: “You’ve won seven of the last 10 Grand Slams you’ve played since 2021. Have you made any adjustments since then to allow you to bounce back?
Answer: “My approach to training, recovery and mental training changes all the time, almost weekly or monthly. You have to reinvent yourself because everyone does it. As a 36 year old competing against a 20 year old , I probably need to do more than ever to stay healthy.
You might call me a perfectionist, but I know I’m not the only one. There are many great champions in different sports who have thrived through this approach. That’s why LeBron James still keeps going at his age, or Tom Brady, inspirational greats like them. “
Q: When you lost the Wimbledon final, some people wondered if that was the beginning of relief. What impact did that game have on you?
A: “People like to talk and have a lot of opinions. I’m not interested in reviewing what they said about whether I’m going to pass the baton to the next generation. I’m focused on what I have to do.”
His intense rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz is very good for our sport. He brings a freshness to tennis, is an incredible player and a great person. But my goal was always to win every Grand Slam tournament this season and I would sign a document saying I would win three of the four tournaments and play in the Wimbledon final.
I want to keep going. I feel good about my body (…) I try to prioritize my preparation to be able to make it to as many Grand Slams as possible. They are the moments and emotions that motivate me every day when I’m not playing.
Sometimes I do wonder, after all I’ve done, why I need this now. How long do I want to continue? Of course, I had these questions in my head. But I know I’m still playing at such a high level and I’m winning the biggest games in the sport and I don’t want to leave the sport while I’m still at the top of my game. “
Q: How would you compare this dominant year to your other dominant years against Roger (Federer), Rafa (Nadal) and Andy (Murray)?
A: “I’ve had four different opponents this year. It’s different because the competition I have with these guys is very tight and solid and I have a good chance against them.
Things are different today. As long as I can win, I don’t mind facing different players (laughs). But I had three epic games with Alcaraz this year, and I think that’s why people are debating the next fight. “
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