Novak Djokovic Sees Pressure As A Privilege At Wimbledon - UBITENNIS

Novak Djokovic Sees Pressure As A Privilege At Wimbledon

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read
Novak Djokovic (SRB) playing against Marton Fucsovics (HUN) in the quarter-final of the Gentlemen's Singles on Centre Court at The Championships 2021. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 9 Wednesday 07/07/2021. Credit: AELTC/Florian Eisele

There are high expectations for Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon and he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

The Serbian is bidding to create yet more history at the Grand Slam this year. Should he claim the title, he would become only the second man to have won Wimbledon eight times after former nemesis Roger Federer. On top of that, he would also become the first man to win a 24th major trophy and the third to claim a fifth straight title at SW19. 

Breaking records has been a common occurrence throughout Djokovic’s illustrious career which spans more than 20 years. After becoming the most decorated male singles champion in Grand Slam history at the French Open earlier this year, some would wonder if he feels less press at the big events. However, this is not the case. 

“Every time I walk out on the court, particularly in Grand Slams and centre courts, I feel tremendous pressure and expectations from myself, people around that are watching live or on TV and the whole tennis world,” he said following his second round win on Wednesday.

“It’s a feeling that I’m used to by now, and it’s something that I also embrace because it’s giving me further motivation to strive to make more history. Regardless of the Grand Slam count fact, I still want to make my own results and my own journey.” He added. 

In his second round clash, the world No.2 dismissed Australia’s Jordan Thompson, 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-5 in two hours and 28 minutes. The latest victory is his 350th at a Grand Slam and remarkably his 41st straight win on center Court. 

Although there is more to tennis than statistics for Djokovic who credits the sport for helping him maintain a younger mindset. At the age of 36, he is currently the oldest player in the top 30 in the ATP Pepperstone rankings. 

“I’m still playing the sport that I fell in love with when I was very young. I think that is very refreshing,” he said.

“The body’s responding differently. I still have to say that I’m really fortunate and blessed to have a healthy body. Still at this stage, after 20 years of professional tennis, I’m able to compete at the highest level.”

Djokovic won’t know until tomorrow who his next opponent will be. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and 29th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry will fight it out for the spot. 

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