With Slams Record Secured, Novak Djokovic Asks, ‘What’s Next?’ | ATP Tour | Tennis

Final month, Novak Djokovic made historical past when he captured a file twenty third main at Roland Garros. Quick ahead three weeks and the Serbian has arrived at Wimbledondecided to attain extra and add to the seven trophies he has earned at SW19.

“I nonetheless really feel hungry for achievement, for extra Slams, extra achievements in tennis,” Djokovic stated in his pre-tournament press convention on Saturday. “So long as there’s that drive, I do know that I can compete on the highest stage. If that goes down, then I suppose I am going to must face most likely totally different circumstances and have a distinct method. Up to now there’s nonetheless the drive.

“After all, lots of people are coming as much as me and congratulating me [on Roland Garros]reminding me of the historic success, which is sweet after all, it is very flattering. However on the identical time, my thoughts is directed in the direction of Wimbledonwhat is the subsequent Slam, what is the subsequent process. That is the lifetime of knowledgeable tennis participant. I believe that type of mentality is important for the upkeep of that depth. In the event you actually need to have an opportunity and have a go at extra Slam titles, it is advisable preserve that focus and devotion.”

Djokovic is aiming to attract stage with Roger Federer on a record-equalling eight Wimbledon titles this fortnight, having gained the earlier 4 editions of the grass-court occasion. The World No. 2, who clinched his first title on the event in 2011, has not misplaced a match on Centre Courtroom since 2013, when he fell in opposition to Andy Murray within the remaining.

The second seed is happy with how he has established himself because the dominant pressure on the floor in recent times.

“For a number of years I did battle to actually take my sport on the grass courts to the subsequent stage as a result of naturally for me it feels higher to slip, and grass is actually not a forgiving floor relating to sliding, excessive sliding motions on the courtroom,” Djokovic stated. “I needed to learn to transfer, stroll, play, learn the bounces.

“Grass courtroom is the rarest floor we’ve got within the sport, which is opposite to what you had perhaps 40, 50, 60 years in the past the place you performed three out of 4 slams have been performed on grass. These days that is not the case. It does take time – greater than every other floor – to actually get used to it. However I believe prior to now 10 years of my profession, I’ve tailored in a short time to the floor. I believe the outcomes listed below are a testomony to that.”

Djokovic will start his Wimbledon marketing campaign in opposition to Pedro Cachin with World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz within the different half of the draw. The 36-year-old Djokovic, who defeated the 20-year-old within the semi-finals in Paris, is conscious of the Spaniard’s menace, however is remaining targeted on himself.

“Carlos is a really good man who’s carrying himself very I believe maturely for a 20-year-old. He already has loads of accolades to his title, making historical past of the sport so younger,” Djokovic stated when requested about Alcaraz. “I believe he is nice for the sport as a participant who brings plenty of depth, vitality on the courtroom, and likewise being very humble and having a pleasant persona off the courts.

“For me, I need not have Carlos or anyone else actually to seek out that further drive and motivation after I enter Slams as a result of I do know that I’ve to win seven matches to win a title. So whoever I get to face throughout the web, it does not make a distinction for me. I must do what I must do. Most of my consideration is concentrated on my physique and my thoughts, my sport, making an attempt to I suppose carry it to the optimum state the place I am performing my finest each match.”

Defending champion Djokovic will open play on Centre Courtroom on Monday.