Already regarded as one of the best players in the history of men’s tennis, Novak Djokovic is the first person to say that there is still room for him to improve further.
The world No.1 is set to return to action later this week at the Dubai Tennis Championships. It will be his first taste of competitive tennis since lifting the Australian Open title last month. His 17th grand trophy, which is the third highest tally off all-time on the ATP Tour. Overall, the Serbian has claimed 78 titles and has won more prize money than any other player in history.
Despite his numerous accolades achieved in the sport, Djokovic is not contempt with his game. Believing that there are still areas that he can improve further to become an even more formidable force on the tour. He has started 2020 with 13 consecutive wins after also guiding his country to victory in the ATP Cup earlier this year.
“There is room for improvement and that’s my biggest motivation at the moment.” Djokovic told reporters in Dubai on Sunday.
“That’s probably one of the biggest reasons why I keep on playing this sport and why I put a lot of effort and dedication every single day. I feel that tennis is a great place for me to improve, not just in tennis but also as a human being to build my character,”
It is his love for the sport which the 32-year-old believes has helped shaped him as a person. Praising the support he also received from his team. He is currently coached on the tour by Marián Vajda, who reunited with him back in April 2018.
“Tennis, like no other place in life, triggers my emotions. It’s a great way for me to understand myself on deeper levels. I see tennis as a great school of life in a way. I also enjoy it. I really love to hold the racquet. I enjoy the process, I enjoy the journey. I have a great team of people around me that puts a lot of energy and faith in me, in my game. Together, we create beautiful things on the court and I’m grateful for that.”
Djokovic will be hoping that he can continue to produce what he describes as ‘beautiful things’’ over the coming days at Dubai’s Aviation Club Tennis Centre. A tournament he won on four previous occasions with the last being back in 2013.
Judging on his start to the season, many are tipping Djokovic to once again be a dominant force in the coming months. Although he stays cautious when it comes to his future.
“I’m aware of the fact that I’m feeling great on the court. Of course, when you win that many matches, it translates to your high level of confidence.” He explained.
“But I’m aware that it could easily be disturbed, as well, and lost. I try to approach every tournament and every match as a fresh start basically: continuation of the great streak, yes, from the confidence perspective, but fresh start gamewise.”
‘Roger is Roger’
One notable absentee from Dubai will be Roger Federer, who fell to Djokovic in straight sets last month. The 38-year-old has been ruled out of action until at least June after undergoing knee surgery on Wednesday. A move that has surprised many, including his rivals.
“I knew he was struggling with an injury in the Australian Open. I think no one knew really what is the injury and the extent of that injury.” Djokovic commented.
“I really don’t like to see anybody going through a process of surgery. I’ve been through that once and hopefully the last time in my life. I know that for doctors, that’s routine-like procedure, but it’s quite invasive.”
Djokovic has played his Swiss rival 50 times on the ATP Tour and has won 27 of their meetings. Despite being one of his biggest rivals in the sport, the world No.1 is hoping that Federer will have a quick recovery.
“I know it also creates a psychological trauma. I’m really sad to see Roger and Kevin Anderson going through that kind of procedures. I hope that they will be back very soon. Roger is Roger. This sport needs him,” He concluded.
Djokovic will open up his Dubai campaign on Monday against Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri.
