Novak Djokovic managed to achieve yet another record of his extraordinary career. With success in the final of the US Open, in a thrilling match against Daniil Medvedev, the Serbian joined Margaret Court as the player with the most Slams in the history of tennis.
The Ser
In the press conference, the champion from Belgrade explained what the secrets of his success are and what emotions he felt at the end of the match.
Djokovic: “I have never been so exhausted as in the second set”
The Serbian tennis star explained: “It was a great battle. I started the match very well. What probably made the difference and the key to the match was the second set, which lasted almost two hours. I don’t think I’ve ever played a longest set in my life, especially not on this occasion against a top player like Daniil. He deserved to win that set more than me.
Somehow I managed to turn the tables in the tiebreaker. When it was important I put one more ball into play than him. And it was enough. After that set I regained my energy. So in the third set I felt better than in the second. I don’t remember ever being as exhausted after matches as I was in the second set.”
Djokovic has won seven of the last 10 Grand Slams: “As a 36-year-old competing against 20-year-olds, I probably have to keep my body in shape, to be able to recover so I can perform at the highest level consistently. But I guess you could say I’m a perfectionist. I know I’m not the only one.
I know there are many great champions in different sports who thrive on this kind of approach to perfecting themselves, their approach, their game, their performance, their recovery, every single day. That’s why LeBron James continues to move forward at his age, or Tom Brady, you know, greats like him, who are an inspiration.”