Novak Djokovic, who became the first man to win 23 Grand Slam titles with his coronation in Roland-Garros, has no plans to play a grass tournament in three weeks before Wimbledon, he said on Sunday evening.
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“On grass, I plan to only play Wimbledon,” which is scheduled for July 3-16, the 36-year-old Serb, who will become world No. 1 again on Monday, told a news conference.
“I will travel to London soon to train and prepare for another Grand Slam tournament,” he added.
But before that, it’s party time for Djokovic. “We’ve been serious for too long,” he smiled. So now some relaxation and time for the family. However, I don’t really have much time because the lawn season is just around the corner. »
“Why are you thinking of stopping me?”
Novak Djokovic became the first man to win 23 Grand Slam titles on Sunday thanks to his win at Roland-Garros. Therefore, at 36 years old, he asks himself: “Why think about quitting?” »
QUESTION: Where do you rank this title at Roland-Garros among your 23 Grand Slams?
ANSWER: “This is obviously one of the most important. As I walked towards the tournament and then the finals, I knew I was about to write a page of history. But I tried to focus on preparation like any other game. Of course, I can’t say that I didn’t think about the finish line, which was very close and that a final win would allow me to win a historic trophy. But my team was there to create a bubble around me. We managed to stay in the present and be as good as we wanted to be. And of course, when I saw his last forehand come out, I was very relieved. I was overwhelmed with fantastic emotions. Yes, I am very happy and very proud of this title. »
Q. How does it feel to be the greatest player in history?
A: “I don’t want to say that I’m the best because that would be disrespectful to all the great champions of our sport in different eras when tennis was played in completely different ways.” I believe that all great champions of their generation have one thing in common made a big impression, left a legacy and paved the way for us. So I leave those kinds of discussions about who is the best to others. I have great confidence in myself and my abilities. This trophy is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I can still achieve. Grand Slam tournaments are THE priority of my season, every year and especially at this point in my career. When I arrived at Roland-Garros, my results on clay were not good. But as soon as I arrived in Paris, I felt different, positive. I felt like I had a very good chance against everyone in the best-of-five set. I know most guys feel pressure when they face me in a best of five set and I want them to feel the same way. It’s good to have such psychological superiority. But for me, too, the pressure is so great that when it’s all over and I have the trophy, another Grand Slam trophy, in my hand, it’s an incredible satisfaction and great relief. But I haven’t come to the end of my journey yet! Why would I stop if I win Grand Slams? I can’t wait to be at Wimbledon right now. »
Q: What does it mean for you to become the most successful Grand Slam player, ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer?
A: “It’s true that I’ve always compared myself to them because these two are the biggest rivals I’ve had in my career.” I’ve said it many times, they defined me as a player and through our rivalries and direct Duels contributed in some way to my success. I’m not counting the hours I’ve spent thinking and analyzing what it takes to beat them in the biggest meetings. These two have kept me busy for the past fifteen years… So it’s amazing to know that I’m ahead of them in the number of Grand Slams won. But at the same time, everyone writes their own story. Of course, over the past twenty years, people have been talking to the three of us, and let’s not forget Andy (Murray), about the golden age of men’s tennis. I am very grateful to be part of this group. »