Novak Djokovic has recently come to realize that he has achieved nearly everything in his illustrious tennis career. The 36-year-old started his professional tennis journey in 2003 and has since triumphed in every significant tennis championship. He now believes that he is closer to the twilight of his career than the dawn. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that his training sessions are no longer as lengthy as they used to be. However, his coach, Goran Ivanevic, consistently discovers fresh ways to keep him motivated and eager to achieve more.
The Serbian tennis legend, who is the frontrunner to secure his 25th major title in 2024, also disclosed that his most cherished dream is to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Djokovic candid admission in career struggle
Novak Djokovic revealed during an interview with Eurosport that he needs extra motivation to train hard after winning his 24th Grand Slam title in New York last month. The tennis star who is eyeing for his seventh Paris Masters title said, “I’m as flawed a human being as can be. I need even more extra motivation nowadays at this later stage of my career than maybe what I needed five or 10 years ago. Things are different. My life is evolving.”
“It breaks my heart every time I leave them. So when I travel, when I go somewhere, I really want to win. I want to make that trip worth it. Goran and the rest of the team are trying to find new ways to motivate me. They haven’t been successful so far. We have a lot of fun, and we are great friends. We have a professional relationship.”
He continued on the subject of another Grand Slam title, saying, “I’m happy with 24, but people in my country say why not go for 25, 30? I say if it were that easy, it would be great. I don’t know how it looks, but I know how it feels. You’ve really got to earn I feel like a cat sometimes, with nine lives. Every time I play a Grand Slam, I lose one life.”
Novak Djokovic’s set sights on Paris Olympics in 2024
Novak Djokovic currently stands at the top of the list for winning a Grand Slam in 2024. However, his eyes are not solely on Grand Slams; he has a strong desire to secure the gold at the Paris Olympics. While Rafael Nadal, known as the king of clay, has also expressed his desire to win Olympic gold, Djokovic insists that this event is his greatest motivation.
“Obviously, I’m very proud that my greatest rival could say such things, but I leave this discussion to other people. My greatest motivation is still my love for the game. I really like competing,” said Djokovic.
“Then, you know, I always have goals, you know, and to win another slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1. Those are, let’s say, the big goals. Of course, next year is the Olympic Games. I really want to do well in the Olympic Games and represent my country. The Davis Cup is something that still gives me a lot of inspiration.”
Novak Djokovic first claimed his first medal at the Beijing Olympics, where he won bronze, but missed out on a medal three times and lost to Juan Martin Potro in the first round of the Rio Olympics in 2016. The Serbian will begin his Paris Masters title chase against Miomir Kecmanovic or Tomas Martin Etcheverry in his opening match, with Tokyo champion Ben Shelton a potential opponent in the third round.
