"I'm over what happened this year, I just want to play tennis" - Djokovic on missing majority of 2022 season

| by Evita Mueller

Despite winning one Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic didn't enjoy the best season especially because of off-court circumstances and he opened up about it in an interview with Sportal.

The 35-years-old Serbian couldn't take part at two out of four Grand Slam tournaments this year and at some ATP 1000 events. That is reflected on the ATP Rankings as he's currently ranked 7th, despite finish last year first with almost 3000 point lead. Speaking about the 2022 season, he said:

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“It was a very interesting year, peculiar,” Djokovic said. “I always strive to draw positive things from whatever the experience is, that is part of my character and my approach to life. I know that everything that happened in Australia and afterwards – the way people have treated me, which did not feel nice and it is something I have never experienced before in my life – has helped me to learn some valuable lessons."

The 21-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about how he got to know who he can trust this year. He went through were challenging times and until today, opinions are divided about some of his choices.

“Many masks have fallen, so to say – throughout this process, it was interesting for me to observe the way some people behaved towards me this year. I keep going, motivated and inspired,” Djokovic said.

However, for Novak Djokovic it's more about the love for tennis and the legacy he wants to leave within the sport. Despite a season that he will want to forget, he said:

“I love this sport, I love giving it my all in every practice because every day is different, and there is always some sort of excitement, some sort of unknown, it is a challenge. The young guns are coming, they are hungry for success, so that is something that gives me extra motivation as well.”

“I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more, so."

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