Novak Djokovic Sends Message To Rivals Ahead Of Roland Garros: 'Motivation Is There'
NewsWednesday, 21 May 2025 at 16:45
Novak Djokovic is confident that he can still challenge for Grand Slam titles, and he spoke about that ahead of the upcoming Geneva Open.
Djokovic has yet to win a Grand Slam title since the 2023 US Open. Although last year has been far from ideal for the Serbian player, he is still among the contenders at every Grand Slam that he enters.
The 37-year-old is arguably the most experienced player on the ATP Tour, and he's also the most successful player, which gives him a great advantage over all of his rivals.
On the other hand, it's becoming increasingly difficult for Djokovic to be consistently successful. Close to his 40s, the Serbian now has to battle not only his opponents, but also his own body.
His body is one of the reasons why he couldn't compete at the Italian Open in Rome, but will instead play at the Geneva Open, which is an ATP 250 tournament held in the week prior to the clay-court Grand Slam.
Ahead of the tournament, Djokovic caught up with the Serbian publication SportKlub, talking about his preparation for the ATP 250 tournament.
"I wouldn't say the preparations were difficult, it's all part of the profession and part of a bigger plan for what's to come. There were days that were great, but also days that were challenging, like everyone else."
"I'm looking forward to the match, I haven't played many matches, I haven't won a match on clay yet this season. From that aspect, I'm not in an ideal position, but I hope I can play more than one match here - before Roland Garros. I hope I can play better than I have in the last month and a half."
Djokovic is well aware that he is in a completely different stage of his tennis career right now. But despite all the challenges that this stage brings, he still believes he can succeed.
"This is a different chapter in my life, I'm trying to navigate it. These are not circumstances I'm really used to, losing in the early stages of tournaments in a row. I don't think it's happened to me in 20 years, but I knew that such moments would come at some point. It's hard for me to look back, while I'm still playing, on my entire career."
"I still have the desire to win Slams and be among the best in the world. That's why I'm playing, in search of trophies, in form before Roland Garros, to challenge the best in the world."
"The motivation is still there, but in this transitional period, I have to understand my body and circumstances, what I have to do to stay healthy, as well as to be in optimal condition for the tournaments that are most important to me, which are the Slams."
Novak Djokovic Explains How His Life Changed As a Father
Djokovic also explained how his life changed in recent years. He is now a father of two children, and, obviously, wants to dedicate even more time to them and his wife Jelena. That's why it's even more difficult for him to leave their home so often, as he wants to spend time with his young family.
Still, the 24-time Grand Slam champion knows what it takes to win majors, and he once again emphasized that he believes he has all the tools necessary to succeed.
"Stress and pressure are part of what we do, and Billie Jean King said that pressure is a privilege. I still have the support of those closest to me to continue, that's what's most important to me, without that there would be no balance between family life and tennis."
"I know how much dedication it takes to be a Grand Slam champion, it's not going as smoothly and easily as it was ten years ago because my life has changed. It has changed for the better! I feel like I still have the game to be a contender for the Slams."
"It's clear that I have more oscillations in terms of results than before, but I have to accept that my level of play is not as constant as before. However, I also know what my priorities are."
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