Novak Djokovic is excited about the opportunity to potentially win his 25th grand slam singles title at the French Open this year.
During an interview with CNN’s Amanda Davies, Djokovic expressed his anticipation for the possibility of becoming the most successful singles player in history, surpassing both men and women players.
After recently receiving his fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, Djokovic shared his vision for achieving this historic milestone.
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis superstar, has won a total of 24 grand slam singles titles, the most by any man. He currently shares the all-time record with Margaret Court. Djokovic will have the opportunity to surpass this record when the French Open begins on May 20.
Djokovic shared his mindset, saying, "You take nothing but the win, that’s the mentality. You kind of visualise yourself achieving that already. So I’ve been, you know, really looking forward to it."
I'm not the only one who wants to win that title, but I am excited about the opportunity. I enjoy competing with people from different age groups. There are young athletes who are eager, fit, and quick.
I rely on my ability to adapt and change my strategies to match theirs. I make sure to understand what it really means to stay at the top and compete with these individuals in order to win more titles.
2024 Laureus Awards
The winners of the 2024 Laureus Awards are:
Sportswoman of the Year: Aitana Bonmatí Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic Breakthrough of the Year: Jude Bellingham Sportsperson with Disability: Diede de Groot Team of the Year: Spain women’s national team Comeback of the Year: Simone Biles
Djokovic received his Laureus award from NFL legend Tom Brady following an impressive 2023 season, winning three out of the four grand slams. The two have developed a strong bond over the years, with Brady commending Djokovic not only for his exceptional skills on the court but also for being a wonderful person.
Brady stood next to Djokovic and told CNN that he has great integrity.
Brady also mentioned that over the years, he believes that competition always brings out the best in people, and it has definitely brought out the best in Djokovic.
Djokovic, who will be turning 37 later this year, has no intention of slowing down and is not thinking about retirement anytime soon. He prefers to focus on the upcoming tournaments rather than dwelling on his past accomplishments.
Djokovic emphasized the importance of staying present and taking the time to appreciate and acknowledge our past experiences, the journey we have taken, and the people who support us.
He mentioned that with new events and challenges every week, he believes true appreciation for his accomplishments will come after his career is over.
When you're still active, the question on your mind is always, "What's the next task? What's the next challenge?" You might only have a few days, or at most a week, to reflect on a big achievement.
Djokovic accepts the award on stage from NFL legend Tom Brady.
Djokovic accepts the award on stage from NFL legend Tom Brady.
Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images
If Djokovic needs any tips on preparing for retirement then Brady could be the man to turn to.
The retired quarterback made a comeback in 2022 for one season before retiring again last year.
Brady expressed his satisfaction with how his career concluded and mentioned that he now enjoys watching Djokovic play. He also mentioned attending the El Clásico match last night.
You will always have a passion for competition that will never fade. Your love for the sport will always remain, but I believe there are other ways you can make a difference as you journey through life.
When discussing how top athletes adjust to retirement, Brady mentioned, "We hardly ever dwell on the past. Our focus is always on the future because we are driven individuals."
To be in the fortunate situation we are in, it requires a great deal of ambition. It's not something you can simply switch off like a light.
Therefore, we must continue moving forward for as long as possible and seize every opportunity that comes our way.
Editor's P/S:
Novak Djokovic's pursuit of tennis immortality at the upcoming French Open has set the stage for a historic moment in the sport. With 24 Grand Slam titles already to his name, the Serbian superstar is poised to surpass the all-time record held by both Margaret Court and himself. His relentless drive and unwavering belief in his abilities make him a formidable force on the court. Djokovic's mindset of visualizing victory and adapting his strategies to outplay younger opponents showcases the mental and tactical brilliance that has propelled him to the top of the tennis world.
The insights shared by NFL legend Tom Brady, a fellow icon of his respective sport, provide valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Djokovic. Brady's emphasis on embracing the present, focusing on the next task, and appreciating past accomplishments echoes Djokovic's own approach. The camaraderie between these two legendary athletes highlights the shared experiences and support that exist among the elite performers of the sporting world. As Djokovic continues his pursuit of greatness, their guidance and the unwavering support of his fans will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy he is building in the annals of tennis history.