Novak Djokovic Determined to Break Records and Continue Playing Tennis
By Shahida Jacobs | November 11, 2023
Novak Djokovic, the tennis great, has expressed his satisfaction with his career but has no plans to retire from professional tennis just yet. He cites a “huge inspiration” as the driving force behind his decision to keep playing.
This “huge inspiration” he refers to is none other than records.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has made it clear that he is determined to achieve every possible milestone in tennis. At the upcoming ATP Finals, he will have the opportunity to win a seventh title at the season-ending event, surpassing Roger Federer’s record of six. Additionally, he is on track to reach the 400-week milestone as the player with the most weeks at No. 1.
The 36-year-old continues to be driven by his desire to break more records.
“I also love competing, I love the sport. That’s my greatest motivation really because I’ve achieved and surpassed numerous records, and it’s a great feeling,” Djokovic shared with ATP Media.
“Even if I were to leave professional tennis now and reflect on everything I’ve accomplished, I would be extremely, extremely satisfied. So I don’t feel pressured to continue competing, but I still have the desire and the skill level.
“I’m currently playing at a very high level, so records serve as a huge inspiration as well, undoubtedly, along with the history of the sport. I still want to create my own history and contribute to the history of tennis. I want to see how far I can go.”
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Among the milestones Djokovic can achieve at the ATP Finals in Turin, one goal stands above the rest.
“For me, the biggest goal right now is to end the season as the No. 1 player in the world, so hopefully I can achieve that. I only need one win, so hopefully it happens,” Djokovic stated.
“And of course, I would love to win the tournament as well. But that’s the primary goal, and then we’ll see what happens afterwards.”
Djokovic will have the opportunity to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking when he faces Holger Rune in his opening match on Sunday.
The pair, along with Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas, are in the Green Group.