Novak Djokovic Reflects on Career After Paris Victory
By James Richardson | November 5, 2023
Novak Djokovic, the tennis superstar, has expressed uncertainty about the current stage of his illustrious career following an extraordinary week in Paris. Overcoming illness and a series of grueling three-set matches, Djokovic emerged victorious, securing his 40th Masters title.
In an interview, Djokovic revealed that the unique circumstances surrounding the tournament made this victory particularly special, especially considering his seven previous Bercy crowns.
“Well, I try to be a diligent student of the game and keep track of the numbers. However, I also want to direct my attention to the next challenge,” Djokovic said when asked about the significance of his win.
“As long as I’m an active player, that will be my mentality. While I’m proud of this achievement, I’m already turning the page. This is the way it works for me, and I believe it’s the correct mentality moving forward. I still have the desire to win more and play at the highest level. Grand Slams and Masters events are the most valuable tournaments in our sport,” he added.
Reflecting on the past week, Djokovic acknowledged the weight and value of this victory, particularly at this stage of his career. With a smile, he admitted, “I don’t even know which stage of my career I am anymore. But I believe every win in a major tournament holds double the value nowadays.”
When questioned about the role of his time away from the game in his comeback, Djokovic credited his team for their efforts in getting him back to peak performance for the final.
“I dedicated a lot of effort to prepare myself for this final stretch of the season. I spent several weeks working on the tennis court and focusing on my fitness,” Djokovic shared.
“Physically, I feel great. Although there are always minor issues here and there, it was the virus that posed the biggest challenge this week. It’s not something I usually encounter. But with the support of my team, we managed to overcome it and stay focused on the matches ahead,” he continued.
Despite enduring three consecutive days of three-hour, three-set matches, Djokovic expressed his happiness and satisfaction with his performance in the tournament.
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