Novak Djokovic on chase for Grand Slam record: ‘One defeat cannot destabilise me. I will keep going’
He may have come up short in his latest attempt to edge closer to the Grand Slam singles record, but Novak Djokovic’s “desire is still huge” with the Serb adding he has developed a “thick skin” when it comes to speculation about his future.
The world No 1 was beaten in straight sets by Rafael Nadal in the French Open final on Sunday, which helped the Spaniard to move level with Roger Federer on an Open Era record 20 Grand Slam titles.
Mats Wilander and Tim Henman give their verdict as Rafael Nadal wins again in Paris
Djokovic remains in third with 17 majors, but don’t count him out as he feels he has more than enough time on his side.
“If I thought it was too late I would have ended my career today,” he said after his defeat. “But I do not think it is too late. I will keep on going as long as I have fuel in my legs and love and desire towards the sport.
“One defeat, even though it is a Grand Slam final, cannot destabilise me. I have developed a lot, as the English say, I’ve developed ‘thick skin’ and I do not allow myself to be disturbed by various speculations and situations of this kind.”
He added: “Myself and Nadal, and especially Federer, we have been written off many times, people were sending us into retirement, but we keep coming back and proving that we are the best in the world despite all the pressure.”
The remarkable statistic that highlights why Rafael Nadal inflicted a crushing defeat on Novak Djokovic
Djokovic, who has lost only two matches this year with the other defeat coming at the US Open when he was defaulted, also has his sights on the ATP Rankings for most weeks at No 1. He currently just 20 weeks shy of Federer’s record of 310.
“My desire is still huge. I love and enjoy this game,” he said. “My professional goals stay the same — historic No 1 ranking and Grand Slam titles.
“If I achieve the former, which I intend to do next year, my hope will turn even more to Grand Slam tournaments in terms of approach, energy and schedule.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsLTA chief calls for more Government funding to save indoor tennis centres
Able-bodied adults in England in areas under increased restrictions are not allowed to play tennis indoors with anyone from a different household.
-
NewsDan Evans books second-round place at Vienna Open on back of Aljaz Bedene retirement
Slovenian called time on the match after suffering a right thigh injury.
-
Tennis Top 10Top 10 ATP No 1s by weeks: Novak Djokovic closing in on Roger Federer milestone, but who else features?
Refresh your memory of the top 10 ATP No 1s by weeks.
-
Tennis TodayTennis Today: Andy Murray eyes visit to most remote tennis court in world, Serena Williams struts her stuff
Tennis Today features Andy Murray and Serena Williams.
-
Tennis VideosWATCH: Rafael Nadal swaps tennis rackets for golf clubs and finishes tied sixth at Balearic Golf Pro-Am
Rafael Nadal the golfer is quite good.
-
Tennis NewsNow that his biggest dream has become a reality, Dominic Thiem is ready to achieve new goals
Dominic Thiem sets sights on new goals.
-
NewsAndrey Rublev and Diego Schwartzman closing in on last two ATP Finals places
Schwartzman increased points tally in Cologne.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic praises ‘hard worker, great guy’ Dominic Thiem: ‘He deserves it more than anybody else’
Novak Djokovic impressed by Dominic Thiem.
-
ATP TourDominic Thiem hails ‘unreal’ Vienna Open field, saying defending title is ‘not mission impossible, but almost’
Dominic Thiem up against it in Vienna.
-
ATP TourAnother Cologne trophy for Alexander Zverev as he vows ‘to be on top of the game very soon’
Another week, another Cologne trophy for Zverev.