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, as per tennisbuzz. “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
-
Tennis NewsTimeline of Andy Murray’s injury nightmare as he pulls out of Australian Open
Andy Murray is out of next month’s Australian Open here we look at the timeline of Murray’s injury troubles since 2017.
-
NewsAndy Murray ‘gutted’ as he shelves plans to play at Australian Open
Murray has been unable to solve a quarantine conundrum.
-
-
Australian Open‘Really unjustified’ – Boris Becker leaps to Novak Djokovic’s defence over his quarantine pleas
Boris Becker believes world No.1 Novak Djokovic has come in for unfair criticism after writing a letter to Australian Open chiefs.
-
Tennis NewsUmpire suffers heart attack as another Australian Open player tests positive for Covid-19
Spanish player Paula Badosa has announced she has tested positive for coronavirus during quarantine in Australia.
-
NewsLaura Robson unsure about tennis future after third hip operation
The 27-year-old said her priority now is to live a pain-free life.
-
Australian OpenAndy Murray believes he can still play at the Australian Open as he plots return to action
Former world No.1 Andy Murray is still hopeful of playing in next month’s Australian Open.
-
Australian OpenPlayers are urged not to feed the mice in their hotel rooms as Heather Watson turns to Tik Tok
Britain’s Heather Watson has turned to Tik…
-
NewsOn this day in 2014: Stan Wawrinka ends Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open run
The Swiss won a five-set epic to deny Djokovic a piece of history.
-
NewsNovak Djokovic hits back at allegations of being ‘selfish, difficult and ungrateful’
Djokovic says he finds it tough to be ‘a mere onlooker’.