Novak Djokovic: ‘I always strive for it’

In his press conference in Belgrade, Novak Djokovic gave the latest updates, from his next schedule, Indian Wells and Miami, to the next record he will break: next Monday, it will be 378 weeks as world number one, no one like him. The first update is about his state of health, after the injury he suffered just before the start of the Australian Open: “I’m close to 100%, I’ll play in Dubai.” He is present, therefore, in the 500 Middle East tournament, doubts persist about his presence in Indian Wells and Miami, tournaments in which he will not be able to participate due to the decision not to get vaccinated. “Everything is up in the air. I thank Indian Wells and Miami for the support they have shown me publicly. I would love to play both tournaments and I thank them for that. I have not played for several years and I am waiting for good news, but not everything is in my hands. I hope it doesn’t happen again, skipping Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open like last year. Will this affect my tennis? The recent results in Australia show that this type of situation is not important,” said the Belgrade tennis player at a press conference. Before the press conference, Djokovic celebrated with the attendees his 377th week as number one. He equaled Steffi Graf and is seven days away from becoming the record holder, both in men’s and women’s tennis: “Steffi Graf is one of the best tennis players in the world, I have great respect for her. It is an honor for me to have equaled her record and to have the opportunity to beat it next week. Being number one in the world and winning Wimbledon were my dreams as a child and in 2011 I achieved both, together. It’s good to have dreams and goals, they give you the opportunity to exceed your limits if you set your mind to it. I’m proud of what I’ve done, but my successes are never individual successes. I have to thank my family, my team, who have accompanied me in my career.”

Djokovic praises Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz was the man Novak Djokovic replaced at the top of the ATP rankings after his title run at the 2023 Australian Open. “Alcaraz deserved the number one spot and the Grand Slam title, I have nothing but words of praise for him both on and off the court,” he said. “Explosive, constantly improving, can play at the highest level on all surfaces, great team led by Ferrero. First place is not an absolute priority for me. I always strive for it, but for several years now I have looked at it only as a consequence of good results,” Djokovic said. “The priority is to stay healthy and be in tune with myself on and off the field. Then I know I can win any tournament”.