By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-01-20 09:40:42
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian world number one, is well on his way to becoming one of the most decorated players in the men’s game. With a historic 25th Grand Slam in his sights at the Melbourne tournament, Djokovic has already won the title 10 times and is aiming for an 11th Australian Open win to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles crowns.
Djokovic has had a storied rivalry with Roger Federer, the Swiss great, and has already won 27 of the 50 matches they played. Reflecting on his early career, Djokovic acknowledged that he riled Federer with his confidence and ambition to become the best player in the world. He admitted that his behavior didn’t sit well with Federer, but he was undeterred in his pursuit of greatness.
During his 100th match at the Melbourne tournament, Djokovic defeated 30th-seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry and looked close to his best after patchy performances in the opening rounds. He also shared that when he first broke onto the professional tour 20 years ago, it was challenging to gauge who liked him more or less among the top players.
Djokovic emphasized the importance of respect on and off the court, stating that it is a value he was taught to uphold regardless of the circumstances. While he may not have been afraid to voice his ambition to become the best player in the world, he always maintained respect for others.
Djokovic also discussed how he was fueled by what he perceived as unfair criticism. He acknowledged his mistakes when warranted but stood firm in his chosen direction, especially when faced with criticism without a particular reason. He recognized that not everyone would like him and that it is a normal part of life with everyone having different preferences.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is focused on his quest for greatness and continues to drive himself towards achieving his goals. As he faces French 20th seed Adrian Mannarino in the last 16, Djokovic’s determination and resilience on and off the court continue to be key factors in his pursuit of becoming one of the greatest players in the history of tennis.
