Novak Djokovic Can’t Wait To Go For History At The US Open

Novak Djokovic is ready and excited for the challenge of winning a Calendar Grand Slam. Speaking to the media today at the US Open, the Serb said to win it would be his greatest achievement.

“Obviously I know how big of an opportunity is in front of me here in New York where historically I’ve played really well over the years. It’s probably the most entertaining tennis court that we have. Crowd will be back on stadium.

“I can’t wait. Honestly I’m very motivated to play my best tennis. But I have to hit one ball at a time, as they say, try to be in the moment, have a guiding star in a way, a dream to win a slam here which would obviously complete the calendar slam.

“I’m hugely inspired and motivated by that, no doubt. But at the same time I know how to balance things out mentally, with lots of expectations obviously around.”

Djokovic will open play likely Tuesday night against a qualifier in his first round match. The 34-year-old has won his last 21 matches in Grand Slams. He’s a 3-time US Open champion but hasn’t won since 2018. He won his first US Open exactly 10 years ago in 2001. And a win here also moves him ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam list with 21.

“I’m very inspired to play my best tennis here,” Djokovic added. “I don’t want to say it’s now or never for me because I think I’m going to have more opportunities in my life to win slams. I don’t know if I’m going to be having more opportunities to win calendar slams. That’s why it’s a very unique opportunity. At the same time, I don’t need to put any additional pressure to what I already have, which is pretty big from my own self and from of course people around me.

“But I thrive under pressure, as well. I’ve done that many times in my career. Pressure is a privilege, it truly is. This is what you work for day in, day out, all your life, to put yourself in a unique position to win Grand Slams and to make history. At the end of the day I’m a big tennis fan, fan of history. I admire this sport. I love it. I have this chance, and I’m going to try to use it.”

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