Novak Djokovic makes honest confession in US Open press conference
Novak Djokovic appears to be performing at the peak of his powers heading into the US Open, but the Serbian legend has admitted he does not know how many more times he will play in New York.
Djokovic’s sensational win against world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz in last Sunday’s Cincinnati Masters final was hailed as one of his greatest triumphs, as he appeared to be physically beaten mid-way through the first set of that match.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion found a way to win that match and confirmed he is ready for the challenge presented to him by Alcaraz after his loss to the young Spaniard in last month’s Wimbledon final.
Yet in his pre-US Open press conference, Djokovic conceded he is now treating each Grand Slam tournament as if it may be his last.
“Grand Slams are my goals at the moment and I don’t know how many more I’ll have,” conceded an honest Djokovic.
“I’ll still keep going. I don’t have an end in my mind at the moment.
“I also understand that things are different when you’re 36, so I have to be more appreciative a bit more, I guess. You need to be present, treating every Grand Slam as maybe your last one in terms of commitment and performance.
“I see every Grand Slam that I play right now as really a golden opportunity to make more history.”
The tennis world may be hoping for a rematch between Djokovic and Alcaraz in the US Open final, but the Serbian great admitted there are so many hurdles to overcome before that showdown becomes a reality.
“In a way disrespectful to your next opponent if you’re already thinking about your finals matchup,” continued Djokovic.
“Even though I’ve had tremendous success, that kind of mindset never really resonated with me.
“Carlos is No 1 in the world. He’s definitely one of the best players in the world in the last couple of years.
“Sure, there’s always an eye that follows him from my team, from any other team. I know that the same goes for me probably.
“For now, I am just looking forward to playing on Monday night.
“The first feeling that I have is excitement to come back because it is the biggest arena we have in our sport, the biggest stadium, and definitely the most fun, electric, exciting atmosphere out there in tennis, playing night session in Arthur Ashe, no doubt.”
Djokovic went on to concede he felt sadness during last year’s US Open, when he was not permitted to enter America due to his decision not to take a Covid-19 vaccine.
“It was last year during the Open that I felt it’s a pity that I’m not there. I felt sad for not being able to participate,” he added.
“But this year, I mean, is this year. I don’t think about what happened in the last year or the last couple of years. Just focusing my attention on this year’s tournament.”
Now Djokovic is back in America for the first time since 2021 and he is continuing his routine of staying with his family at a friend’s in New Jersey who has tennis courts in his house.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic reveals he was forced to change his US Open plans after Carlos Alcaraz epic
