Tennis

Novak Djokovic: You value everything more when you come to last stage of your career

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Novak Djokovic, 35, admits everything has a bigger value at this stage of his career as he is well aware that he is nearing the end of his career.

Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, is bidding to win a record 10th Australian Open title this fortnight. 

“When you come to last stage of your career, you value everything even more,” Djokovic said, per Sasa Ozmo.

On Saturday, Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7) 6-3 6-4 to set up an Australian Open round-of-16 meeting against home favorite Alex de Minaur.

Going into the match, Djokovic showed respect for de Minaur.

“One of the quickest player on the Tour, he improved a lot and he has got Lleyton Hewitt in his corner,” Djokovic said.

How will Djokovic’s hamstring hold up against de Minaur?

Djokovic, who sustained a left hamstring injury in Adelaide, has been through to the Australian Open round-of-16 but it is evident that he is playing through pain and discomfort.

After beating Dimitrov, Djokovic admitted that even he didn’t know how everything would turn out. 

“I think the turning point, so to speak for both players, was right from the blocks, the very first game. An early break was important for me. I didn’t know how I was going to feel physically. I was kind of going up and down. Up to the very last shot I didn’t know whether I was going to prevail. It was an incredible battle, three sets, over three hours. Let’s rest up and prepare for the next one,” Djokovic said, per the Australian Open website.

In the end, Djokovic escaped with a three-set win over Dimitrov and gave himself another chance at Melbourne Park.

But de Minaur is a very physical player and he often engages in rallies and overall there are no easy points against him.

Since Djokovic is dealing with an injury, a player like de Minaur could definitely be a problem for the Serb. 

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