Novak Djokovic has no plans to slow down as he talks of his ‘investments’ to elongate his career and remain in contention for the Grand Slam titles

In recent years, Djokovic has started prioritizing Grand Slam, skipping many ATP tour events.

Novak Djokovic has no plans to slow down as he talks of his ‘investments’ to elongate his career and remain in contention for the Grand Slam titles

Novak Djokovic (Credits: The Independent)

Newly crowned no.1 Novak Djokovic scripted history at the recently concluded US Open as he won a record-extending 24th Grand Slam by claiming the US Open 2023 title at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Serbian legend defeated the 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in straight sets (6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3) in just over 3 hours to clinch his 4th US Open title and 3rd Grand Slam of the year. Djokovic avenged his loss to Medvedev in the 2021 US Open final as he became the oldest man (36) to win the US Open in the Open Era.

With the win, Djokovic also secured his 3rd Grand Slam of the year for the third time in his career, equalling Roger Federer‘s record. In recent years, Djokovic has started prioritizing Grand Slam, which has led to him skipping many ATP tour events, much like Federer did in the latter part of his career. This has helped the 36-year old to arrive into the Grand Slams in peak physical conditions.

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Novak Djokovic spoke to SkySports about the steps that he has taken to elongate his career, on the sidelines of Ryder Cup celebrity all-star match. “It was obviously very historic, very fulfilling. Just an incredible thrill to be able to win a 24th Grand Slam and it was always about Grand Slams and weeks at No 1 for me. I think I was fortunate to stay most of my career injury-free and I focused a lot on the big picture, the long term and really invested in my body and my team and just wanted to maintain the level for as many years as possible. Because I knew that if that happens if I can have a long career, I’ll have my shots at the Grand Slam glory,” he said.

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With the US Open win, the 36-year-old has extended his lead over arch-rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time men’s singles Grand Slams tally. The Serbian star is now two clear of Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 men’s Slam singles titles with Roger Federer two further back on 20.

The Serb is in no mood to rest as he looks forward to buildin on his Grand Slam record. “Still at 36 going strong I don’t think that the age affects me much, knock on wood I’m hoping that I can still have a few great years at Grand Slams, particularly because those are my highest goals and objectives and priorities,” he added.

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Novak Djokovic’s 2023 season so far

Djokovic started his season by winning his 92nd career title at the 2023 Adelaide International, where he defeated Sebastian Korda in three sets in the final after saving a championship point. He followed it up with a record-extending 10th Australian Open title bringing him level with Rafael Nadal on Grand Slam tally at 22 Slams.

Novak Djokovic at the US Open
Novak Djokovic at the US Open (Credits : Imago)

The world no.1 missed the sunshine double in the United States due to the vaccine mandate. Leading up to the French Open Djokovic didn’t find a lot of success in the clay court Masters tournament. In the French Open semifinal, Djokovic defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in four sets to reach his record-extending 34th major final. The Serb defeated Casper Ruud to win a record breaking 23rd Grand Slam and also achieved the distinction of winning each Grand Slam title at least 3 times – a triple Career Grand Slam.

Djokovic was stopped from winning a 5th consecutive title at the Wimbledon by Carlos Alcaraz. The final lasted almost 5 hours and went on for 5 sets before the Spaniard lifted his 5th Grand Slam title. He avenged the loss in the final of Cincinnati Masters and followed it up with the US Open title. Novak last made an appearance at the Davis Cup for Serbia, helping them reach the last 8.

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