Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals 2023.
Photo: PHOTO SPORTS
Novak Djokovic turns 37 next year but the Serb says his appetite for success will only increase as young challengers awaken the “beast” in him.
The world number one enjoyed an exceptional 2023 by winning three of the four Grand Slams, taking his tally to 24, two more than his great rival Rafa Nadal and four more than the retiring Roger Federer.
Djokovic didn't have everything his way, however: 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz denied him a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title in a thrilling final, and 22-year-old Jannik Sinner dashed his hopes of Davis Cup glory.
“The young people who are very hungry and very inspired to play their best tennis against me are an additional motivation,” Djokovic said on the CBS news program “60 Minutes.”
“I think they somehow awaken a beast in me.”
Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in three of their four meetings this year – including in the French Open semifinals where the Spaniard suffered full-body cramps – but the Serb said his young rival had become a real threat.
“He's as complete a player as I've seen in ages,” Djokovic said, adding that he used his loss in the Wimbledon final as motivation for the U.S. hardcourt swing that saw him compete in Cincinnati and Flushing Meadows won.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to reinvent myself and push even harder than ever before.”
-Reuters
Comments are closed.