Novak Djokovic claims to be in “paying back to the sport” phase of his career after first-round win at 2024 US Open
Novak Djokovic continues to wow everyone at the age of 37 and says that the work put in early in his career is paying off now.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Defending champion Novak Djokovic cruised into the second round at the 2024 US Open with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win against Radu Albot at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday (August 26) night. Although the Serbian made quite a few errors (10 double faults and 40 unforced errors), he won’t be worried considering he was playing on hard courts for the first time since the Indian Wells Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was happy with the two-hour and seven-minute win and is hoping to go the distance in New York. Even at 37 years of age, Djokovic was moving swiftly on the court and had no problems whatsoever.
When asked how he was able to play with much ease despite advancing years, Djokovic attributed it to the work he put in in his early days. He said that he was lucky to have people who guided him on what needed to be done for longevity and he followed those suggestions.
There’s not one word or secret that would describe it all. It’s just a way of life. Way to approach my tennis career. I was fortunate very early on in my life to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate people who were kind enough to share their guidance with me for years and they taught me very early on that prevention equals longevity. Stretching. Warm-up. Everything I do early on in my life will come back to me later in my career.Novak Djokovic said in his on-court interview
Djokovic also talked about the mental aspects of the game and emphasized the need to find the optimal balance between the physical and the mental.
Novak Djokovic says he is in the ‘paying back’ phase of his career
Novak Djokovic, who continues to compete on the tour despite the many accolades and achievements to his name, said that he is currently in the ‘paying back’ phase of his career. The Serbian said that he still enjoys competing, which keeps him going strong.
I’m still enjoying myself to compete. I’m very self critical on the court. I get frustrated at times. At the end of the day, this sport gave me so much. Me continuing to play and giving 100% every time I step on the court is paying back to this wonderful sport.Novak Djokovic said
The World No. 2 recently ‘completed tennis’ after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. He defeated reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final to win the elusive medal. Now, Djokovic is in New York and hopes to win his 25th Grand Slam title and become the player with the most Majors.
Djokovic next faces compatriot Laslo Djere, who beat Jan-Lennard Struff 6(7)-9, 6-1, 6(7)-9, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round. The two Serbians last played at the 2023 US Open where Djere came close to causing an upset by winning the first two sets. However, Djokovic bounced back to win the match en route to clinching the title.
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Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)