Novak Djokovic says his focus is reaching peak form in time for the major events and not trying to return to world no.1.
The 37-year-old has already spent 426 weeks at the top of the ATP standings which is more than any other player in history. His tally is more than 100 weeks longer than second place Roger Federer who held the position for 310 weeks during his career. Djokovic hasn’t been world No.1 since June 8th last year when Jannik Sinner overtook him. He is currently in fifth place.
“It doesn’t matter as much,” Djokovic said of the No.1 ranking after beating Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 7-6(1), in the third round of the Miami Open.
“If it comes as a consequence of great results and titles that I win in a season, then that’s amazing. But that’s not my objective.
“My objective is to be able to play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and the tournaments where I participate. My schedule is revised, so obviously I’m not chasing the ranking points and everything.
“I’m happy to win a Grand Slam and a big tournament rather than getting to No. 1. Right now that’s more important for me.”
Miami is the fifth event Djokovic has played so far in 2025. He targets a deep run following a shock early exit in Indian Wells. Earlier this year he reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open before retiring from his match against Alexander Zverev due to injury. The only other event where he won back-to-back matches was in Brisbane where he reached the quarter-finals.
“I always try to really work around my schedule so that I am able to have those practice weeks, which are really meaningful for me and my team, where I’m able to build my body, my mind and my game so that I’m able to excel when I need to, when I want to.” He explained.
“Nowadays for me, it’s really playing what I want to play, what I enjoy playing, and trying to make the most out of it.”
So what is motivating Dj0kovic to continue playing on the Tour?
One of them is to become the most decorated player in ATP history. He currently has 99 titles to his name which is the third-highest in history after Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109). Djokovic claimed only one title in 2024 which was at the Paris Olympic Games. A stark contrast to 2023 when he won seven tournaments.
“It would definitely be amazing to get to that record. Connors is someone that I truly admire and respect. He’s always very supportive of me in public, so I’m very thankful for that.” He said.
“It would be amazing. But it’s probably more difficult to achieve that nowadays for me than maybe it was some years ago.
“I’ll go step by step. I’ll see. I don’t know how long I’m going to compete for. But I’m still enjoying myself when I play well.”
Djokovic will play 15th seed Lorenzo Musetti in his next match at the Miami Open.
