Novak Djokovic
hungry for extra trophies, feels privileged to be a part of the ‘GOAT’ dialogueMELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic has all of it coated. The areas between the traces of a tennis court docket, and the linear motion of a script he’s shaping against the ‘Greatest Of All Time’. No much less. On the court docket, it is about little steps, 3, occasionally 4, to the left or to the precise. A lunge, achieving for a forehand or a stretch for the backhand.
Off the court docket, well being y alternatives and a gentle thoughts prepares the arena No. 1 for festival.
The 35-year-old Serb, the landlord of the game’s maximum emphatic counter, is tied with Rafael Nadal at a listing 22 Grand Slams apiece.
“I am motivated to win as many Slams as possible. At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete,” the 35-year-old stated. “I never really liked comparing myself to others, but of course it’s a privilege to be part of the discussion as one of the greatest players of all time.”
Djokovic is aiming to head previous Serena Williams’ Open Era listing of 23 main titles and in the end Margaret Court’s all-time haul of 24.
“I really don’t want to stop here,” the arena No. 1 stated.
Djokovic, who got here into the Australian Open with a hamstring damage, noticed his situation fortify because the event advanced. He stays unbeaten in his two event outings this 12 months, collecting a 12-0 win-loss-record. The subsequent main is scheduled for May at Roland Garros, the place Nadal has received 14 titles.
“I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I’m feeling good physically and am mentally present, I have a chance to win any Grand Slam against anybody,”
Djokovic stated. “I like my chances going forward.”
Djokovic’s trainer Goran Ivanisevic believes the Serb can play on the best for every other two-three years, however believes Nadal is the favourite on the French Open later this 12 months. ,Carlos Alcaraz is fantastic. Still, if Rafa steps at the court docket, for me he is at all times the favourite to win the French Open,” Ivanisevic said.
“There are numerous guys who can beat Rafa (Nadal), additionally Novak can beat him. But Rafa has received the event 14 occasions. You u can’t even win a event at house 14 occasions in a row. It’s wonderful. They in point of fact push every different.”
Djokovic is acutely aware of the more youthful avid gamers chasing him for titles and the No. 1 score. On Monday, the Serb changed 19-year-old alcaraz because the no. 1 participant on the earth. “I’ve been in those scenarios such a lot of occasions, that have, being in the ones instances, in the ones sneakers, is helping me at all times to stay my thoughts recent and know what is anticipated of me,” he said.
How much longer Djokovic, the father of two — eight-year-old Stefan and five-year-old Tara — keeps playing will depend not just on his body, but also his family.
“It’s extraordinarily essential for me to have the make stronger and love of my shut ones with the intention to stay the stability with the non-public existence,” he said, adding, “At the similar time to in point of fact try to chase those trophies.”
“Physically, I will stay myself are compatible,” he said. “Of route, 35 isn’t 25, even supposing I need to consider it’s. But I nonetheless really feel there may be time forward of me.”
The triple triumph of no. 22 on the Grand Slam count, the 10th Australian Open title and the No. 1 ranking is especially important to the Serb, given that he’s achieving it at age 35. “Yo u by no means know the way a lot more time you may have left,” he said.
“I rejoice those moments of changing into No. 1 once more and Grand Slam champion once more much more than I’ve possibly ever in my occupation. I do not take it as a right.”
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Djokovic wins Australian Open to equal Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles
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An emotional Novak Djokovic referred to as it “the largest victory of my existence” after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win a 10th Australian Open title and equal Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam crowns on Sunday.
The Serb will return to world number one as he overcame a hamstring injury and off-court drama to sweep past the Greek third seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena.
The 35-year-old climbed to his player’s box afterwards to embrace his mother and broke down in uncontrollable tears, collapsing to the ground sobbing.
The emphatic victory over Tsitsipas capped a remarkable return for Djokovic to Melbourne Park, having missed last year’s tournament when he was deported over his Covid vaccination stance.
“I’ve to mention this has been one of the vital difficult tournaments I’ve ever performed taking into consideration the instances, no longer enjoying closing 12 months, coming again this 12 months,” Djokovic said at the presentation, wearing a jacket with 22 emblazoned on it. it.
“I need to thank all of the those that made me really feel welcome, relaxed in Melbourne. “I try to pinch myself and really live through these moments, it’s a long journey,” stated Djokovic.
After his three-year ban from Australia was once lifted, Djokovic received the lead-up Adelaide International sooner than reinforcing his stature as an all-time nice in Melbourne.
His dominant win drew him degree with Nadal on a listing 22 Slams, two transparent of Roger Federer.
Nadal made a surprise second-round go out with a hip damage, however is concentrated on a go back for the clay-court season and every other crack on the French Open, and with it a twenty third Slam identify.
Djokovic, who will dethrone Spanish youngster Carlos Alcaraz and go back to the highest for the primary time since June. Tsitsipas will climb one position to 3.
“Novak, I don’t know what to say. It speaks for itself what you have achieved so far. It’s all in the numbers. Congratulations,” stated the 24-year-old Tsitsipas, who remains to be but to win. a big.
“I’ve had the privilege to play a lot of difficult, high-intensity matches, but I would like to say one more time Novak brings out the best in me. He’s the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet, for sure,” stated Tsitsipas.
Djokovic received his first Grand Slam in 2008 on Rod Laver Arena whilst Tsitsipas burst onto the scene in 2019 when he surprised protecting champion Federer within the closing 16.
Djokovic got here into the fit together with his self assurance sky-high having received all 9 of his earlier Australian Open finals and with a 10-2 occupation benefit over the Greek.
Djokovic labored two wreck issues on Tsitsipas’s opening serve, to no avail, however saved probing and the Greek passed him a wreck for three–1 with a slipshod double fault.
Tsitsipas, in most effective his moment Grand Slam ultimate to Djokovic’s thirty third, seemed worried, shedding the primary set in simply 36 mins.
Tsitsipas battled again into competition in a far nearer moment set as his self assurance grew, making improvements to his serve and successful some force issues. He earned his first wreck level — and set level — when Djokovic blasted a backhand extensive.
Against the percentages, Tsitsipas broke for the primary time on Djokovic’s opening serve in set 3, most effective to relinquish the benefit right away after a gripping rally, livid with himself.
In a rematch of the 2021 French Open decider, 24-year-old Tsitsipas was once not able to transform the few possibilities he had as he failed to prevent Djokovic successful his twenty second Grand Slam identify.
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