S Poddar
Novak Djokovic has again proved that he is a long way from being written off by his critics. Yesterday, the Serbian tennis great became the first to win 411 times in ATP Masters 1000 matches, breaking a new record. This remarkable achievement followed a dominant 6-1, 7-6(1) triumph against Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli during the third round of the Miami Open. With this victory, Djokovic not only inched closer to his 100th singles title but also proved that he still owns the game despite being on the older side.
Though the achievements on the field are still remarkable, the 37-year-old’s aspirations appear to have changed with time. Having maintained the world number one position for more than 400 weeks and standing fifth in the current ATP rankings, Djokovic asserted that regaining the number one position is not his utmost priority anymore. In a post-match interview with journalists, the tennis legend clarified, “If it happens as a byproduct of incredible performances and titles that I might win in a season, then that’s fantastic. That’s not my goal.”
His 24 Grand Slam victories have already placed him among the all-time greats, but Djokovic now puts more emphasis on the quality of his play rather than the quest for rankings. “My goal is to be in a position where I can play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and the events where I compete. My schedule is reworked, so clearly I’m not chasing ranking points,” he said, providing insight into his reworked approach to the game.
To Djokovic, the concept of winning Grand Slams and major events means more to him than becoming number one again. “It’s not the same anymore, perhaps, than it was a few years ago (or) for the majority of my career, honestly. I’d be pleased to win a Grand Slam and a big event over reaching number one. Currently that means more to me.”
This transition in emphasis is a testament to his changing outlook as he approaches the close of his brilliant career. As he keeps playing his tennis, his ambitions have developed beyond the constant chase of rankings that characterized his early years on the tour. He has accepted the changes in his strategy, knowing that his time on tour is finite.
Although Djokovic’s wins already put him in the top category of the greatest tennis players, he himself has also showed respect for other tennis greats’ records. With 109 career singles titles, Jimmy Connors is at the top of the list, with Roger Federer coming next with 103. Djokovic, at 99 career singles titles to date, hasn’t closed his mind to becoming the one who beats these achievements, though he admits it’s challenging to surpass them in this new age of tennis.
“It would certainly be great to reach that record,” Djokovic conceded. “Connors is a person that I really look up to and respect. He’s always really kind to me in public, I appreciate that. It would be fantastic. But again, it is perhaps tougher to do that these days for me than perhaps maybe some years ago. I will take it step by step. I will see.”. I don’t know when I’m going to compete anymore. But I’m still having fun when I play great.”
Although pursuing records is no longer at the top of his agenda, Djokovic’s love for tennis is as strong as ever. He has proven that his capacity to reinvent himself with new priorities while still playing on a high level is proof of his sustained brilliance. As he keeps pursuing grand titles, it’s evident that Djokovic appreciates the process of performing at his best instead of accumulating more titles to his legendary career. And as long as he enjoys the game, the world of tennis can look forward to witnessing more iconic moments from the Serbian great.
