Novak Djokovic to prioritise Grand Slams as he closes in on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic will adjust his schedule as he looks to overhaul Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian maintained his position as the king of Melbourne with a ninth Australian Open title, courtesy of a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.
It was the 33-year-old’s 18th Grand Slam singles title, leaving him two behind the men’s record held jointly by Federer and Nadal.

“I’ve said it before, obviously majors, especially at this stage of my career, are the most important events, the tournaments where I want to peak and play my best tennis,” he told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.
“I feel age is just a number. I don’t feel tired or exhausted from playing tennis or from competing at the highest level.
“I know also realistically things are not the same as they were 10 years ago in terms of energy and biology and everything but I feel like I still have a lot of gas in me.
“I will have to be wiser and smarter with my scheduling in order to save and use and direct the energy into the tournaments that matter the most, and hopefully I’ll be able to win more majors.
“That’s something I’ll definitely look forward to as a priority.”
It is unclear when Djokovic will return to action. He revealed he had a second MRI scan on Monday on his abdominal tear, which had grown from 1.7cm when he first sustained it to 2.5cm.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 21, 2021
“The damage is bigger than when I did it after the third round,” he said. “It’s not too bad judging by what the doctor said but I’ll have to take some time off for it to heal properly.”
The Australian Open was successfully staged during the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 1,000 players and support staff were flown to Australia on charter flights and quarantined for 14 days from mid-January, while the tournament went behind closed doors for five days after Victoria went into a lockdown to combat an outbreak of the UK strain of the disease.
Tournament director Craig Tiley believes he has unearthed a blueprint that other bodies can follow to organise major sports events.
“This was the first time since the start of the pandemic began that there was a sport and entertainment event that had crowds and had every top player bar a few that couldn’t make it,” Tiley said.
“I think it is a blueprint that works. It requires more resources and more time but that’s a commitment that you have to make.”
Tiley said Tennis Australia had to use up its entire cash reserves of A$80 million (£45m) and take out a loan to get them through to next year.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
News
Francisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA Tour
Classy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA Tour
Garbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
News
Lawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.
-
Tennis Fun
WATCH: Kei Nishikori reveals he wanted to be a penguin when he was young
Kei Nishikori with some quality content.