Novak Djokovic says he’s nonetheless “hungry” for Grand Slam glory as Wimbledon rivals queue as much as hail him because the “greatest” and his achievements as “phenomenal.”
Having wrapped up a males’s report twenty third Grand Slam title on the French Open, Djokovic now targets an eighth Wimbledon title to equal Roger Federer’s mark.
The 36-year-old Serb has gained the title on the All England Club on the final 4 events.
A fifth successive victory in two weeks’ time will take him stage with Margaret Court’s all-time report of 24 Slams.
He can also be bidding to change into simply the fourth participant in historical past to win eight or extra Wimbledon titles after Martina Navratilova (9), Federer and Helen Wills Moody (eight).
“I still feel hungry for success, for more Grand Slams, more achievements in tennis,” mentioned Djokovic.
“As long as there’s that drive, I know that I’m able to compete at the highest level,” he added.
“A few days after Roland Garros, I was already thinking about preparation for grass and what needs to be done.”
Worryingly for his rivals, Djokovic, some of the polarising figures in sport, exhibits no signal of slowing down.
Eleven of his 23 majors have come since he turned 30.
Victory in what can be his thirty fifth Grand Slam remaining on July 16 would crown him because the match’s oldest champion within the Open period.
“A lot of people are coming up to me and congratulating me, reminding me of the historic success,” mentioned Djokovic.
‘Phenomenal’
“It’s very flattering, but at the same time my mind was already directed toward Wimbledon, what’s the next Slam, what’s the next task.”
Djokovic’s career-long rival Murray mentioned successful 23 majors was “phenomenal.”
Murray, a former world No. 1, was the final man to defeat Djokovic on Centre Court when he gained the primary of his two Wimbledon titles in 2013.
“What he’s gone on to achieve in the latter stages of his career, it’s been incredible. Also doesn’t look like he’s slowing down,” mentioned Murray who practiced with Djokovic on the match Saturday.
“What he did at the French Open, it was phenomenal.”
At the top of 2010, Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally consisted solely of the 2008 Australian Open title.
By comparability, Federer had already gained 16 of his 20 profession majors whereas Nadal had racked up 9 of his 22. Nine extra of Nadal’s Slam trophies got here in Paris.
‘Greatest’
Djokovic’s third win at Roland Garros final month made him the primary man to win all 4 majors on at the very least three events.
“I don’t know how is it possible. He doesn’t have bad days?” requested world No. 3 Danill Medvedev.
“Actually, he does, like everybody but even on these bad days, he manages to beat the opponent. I don’t know how he’s doing it.”
“That’s why he’s for me the greatest in the history of tennis.”
Should Djokovic efficiently defend his Wimbledon title, he’ll simply must pocket the U.S. Open in September to change into the primary man since 1969 to say a calendar Grand Slam.
Djokovic had the identical alternative in 2021 however misplaced the ultimate in New York – to Medvedev.
“To be able to beat him when he was going for a Grand Slam, maybe he was a little bit tighter than usual, but I played an amazing match,” recalled Medvedev.
On Monday, Djokovic will open proceedings on Centre Court towards Argentina’s Pedro Cachin.
The 53rd-ranked Argentine is making his principal draw bow on the match whereas for Djokovic it’s acquainted territory.
“When I enter the Centre Court, I guess it just awakens something in me and I’m able to perform at a very high level,” mentioned Djokovic.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
