WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s training location revealed as he prepares to return to action

Kevin Palmer 16 Oct 2023 2:58 PM

Novak Djokovic of Serbia practice

Novak Djokovic has stepped out of the tennis spotlight since his US Open win last month, but he is back on court and preparing to return at this month’s Paris Masters.

The world No 1 opted out of the Asian swing of the ATP Tour, as he focused his schedule on preparing for the end-of-season ATP Finals, where is can cement his position as the end world No 1 for a record-extending eighth time.

Now footage has emerged of the 24-time Grand Slam champion practising at the tennis centre run by his fellow Serbian tennis great Janko Tipsarevic in Belgrade.

While the 36-year-old has doubtless been putting in some hard practice, he found time to hit some balls with a young player who appeared to have plenty of talent.

That much was proved as Djokovic applauded a lob that dipped over his head and landed well inside the court.

https://twitter.com/milos64692648/status/1711825371019026587

Djokovic spoke about the reasons why he has decided to trim down his tournament schedule and focus on the major championships, as he suggested his approach was inspired by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s move to cut down on his workload at the back end of his career.

“Nadal and Federer, those two guys have really shaped my career, me as a player, in a great deal,” explained the Serbian in an interview with ESPN.

“One thing I learned from Federer – how to organise my schedule to be able to peak at the Grand Slams.

“He was one of the first players to really take the scheduling, and preparation to a different level.

“I was inspired by that and I was making notes with my team and I was taking a lot from that scheduling. And observing him and his team and how he has gone about it. So thanks Roger.”

Djokovic will head to Paris with a clear focus on what he needs to secure the year-end world No 1 ranking and he is already closing in on that accolade.

Carlos Alcaraz is the only player who can stop Djokovic’s coronation as the best player in the world for 2023, but his struggles in China this month have opened the door to Djokovic sealing the year-end top spot earlier than expected.

Alcaraz against Grigor Dimitrov in Shanghai last week left him 2,240 points behind Djokovic in the live ATP rankings, with the Serbian now set to claim the prestigious year-end world No 1 title unless Alcaraz enjoys a sensational end to the season.

Djokovic has 600 points to defend from his run to the Paris Masters final last year and he also has 1,5000 points to defend from his flawless ATP Final win in Turin last year.

Alcaraz was injured at the back end of last year, so he could claim additional points in Basel, but his defeat against Dimitrov means he will need to win Paris and the ATP finals to have a chance to knock Djokovic off the top spot in the rankings.

“I want to do my best in Basel, which will be my next tournament,” said Alcaraz.

“I know that the goal of finishing number 1 this year has been very complicated for me with these last results.

“It is going to be difficult, but I want to try. I will try to win the next events.”