Tanjug/AP
Wherever he appears, he is the center of attention.
That was the case yesterday in Lusail, when the most decorated tennis player of all time “stole the show” by breaking into the Ferrari garage.
Novak Djokovic also used his visit to Qatar to talk to journalists, who received a “strong” statement before the 2025 season.
– During 2024, I didn’t play much, besides the Olympic gold and the Wimbledon final, it was probably my most unsuccessful season in the last decade. There were ups and downs, there were also private problems that I had to solve – said Djokovic, as reported by the Italian “Gazeta”.
– Generally, I feel that I can still play at a high level. In the meantime, Siner and Alkaras have established themselves as two of the best in the world, along with Zverev of course. All of them will be the main favorites for the Grand Slam titles. But physically and mentally I am ready to play my best tennis again. I have a feeling that I can compete with those guys and use my experience at the same time – said the winner of 24 “major” titles and emphasized:
– So, next year I will play in more tournaments, and slams remain my priority. I will do my best to win them, of course if my body allows it. I’m fine, I have time to rest and figure out what I need to do to be better than last season.”
Novak says that the gold in Paris is more important to him personally than it might seem from the outside and that this feat helps him in the field of self-confidence before entering another marathon campaign on the ATP tour.
– Olympic gold is an important success not only because it is the only title won last season. It is also important because at the beginning of the year I marked the Olympic Games as the most important event. Gold was my dream, therefore a priority. After all those failures, three defeats in the semi-finals and bronze at the first performance in 2008, I admit that it was the most important item in my ambitions years ago. I said to myself: “You are 37 years old, this is probably your last chance to hang the gold around your neck…” Especially since it was played at Roland Garros, a court I know well – he said.
– After the knee surgery and the Wimbledon final, I felt that I was ready and I believe that I showed it with the games at the Olympic Games. In the end, I realized my dream, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful moments, if not the most beautiful in my career – said the Serbian tennis player.
One of the useful things, besides appearing in more tournaments of course, is… a coach. Novak solved that problem by agreeing with his long-time rival Andy Marie, who will be in his team at least until the end of the Australian Open.
To that extent, he was asked if he has any advice for his great rival Janik Siner, who is going through a difficult period.
– It seems to me that he is doing well even without my advice – he said with a smile.
– Basically, it’s one thing to win two Grand Slam titles and become the number one in the world, and quite another to stay at that level for many years. In order to achieve that, you must first surround yourself with competent people you can trust. Also, it is important to find a balance between professional and private life. But, most importantly, we are all different and this is an individual sport. So, what “works” for me does not mean that it will inevitably “work” in his case. It seems to me that Janik understands well what he needs, the next challenge before him is to find the right formula in the development of his body in order to avoid injuries, stay healthy, motivated and, above all, to keep his passion for tennis – Djokovic said in an interview for “Gazeta”.
Source: www.vesti-online.com
