Novak Djokovic issues warning to the Tour after his ATP Finals title as he eyes more trophies, says “I don’t lack any motivation”
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic - IMAGO / Xinhua
Novak Djokovic capped off the 2022 season on a high as he won the 2022 ATP Finals. Up against Casper Ruud, Djokovic won the finals 7-5, 6-3 to win his 6th Year-End Championship title and in the process became the oldest man to emerge successful at the tournament.
After the troubles at the start of the year and then the absence from all events in the USA, Djokovic’s qualification for the Finals was in doubt. While he had the quote of winning a major and finishing inside the Top-20 of the race, the Serb qualified solely on merit as he made his way to the Top-8 to go to Turin.
Despite missing quite a lot of action, Djokovic finishes the season as the joint-highest title winner with 5 titles. Of those 5, he has won the Grand Slam in Wimbledon, the ATP Finals, the Masters title in Rome, the ATP-500 title in Astana, and the ATP-250 title in Tel Aviv to show his versatility on all surfaces and tiers.
Djokovic is eyeing a big trophy haul next year and has timely issued a sort of warning. With the ban in Australia reversed, he has the chance to pick wins in Australia once again, more importantly at the Australian Open where is a record 9-time champion.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that what I hold in my mind is a huge hunger still to win trophies. [To] make history in this sport, compete on the highest level all around the world, bring good emotions to sports fans, tennis fans. That’s what drives me a lot. I have a lot of different motivational factors, and I don’t lack any motivation for the moment,” said Djokovic addressing the press in Turin.
Novak Djokovic also talked of his ambition after the win in Turin
The episode in Australia had a massive impact on Djokovic both mentally and physically. His return to the Tour had him rusty due to a lack of match practice and it took him a while before he got back to winning ways. Nevertheless, he has not let go of his desire to be the best and continue dominating.
“Of course, we all have bad days or bad weeks. But generally the feeling is still there. I always see myself as the best player in the world. I have that kind of mentality and that kind of approach. Regardless of who is across the net, regardless of what the surface is, regardless of what season it is, what number of the professional season in my career we’re facing. It’s always the same.
“The ambitions are as high as possible. I had an amazing finish to the season with most of the tournaments that I played indoors I won. Indoors has been historically very successful for me. Playing in Italy, in a country where I love to play, where [I] have really special connection with people, makes this trophy and this win even more special,” added Djokovic further.
Also Read: Roger Federer drops a major hint on his coaching plans following Stefan Edberg’s example
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)