Novak Djokovic: Once The US Open Starts I Go Into Lockdown Mode

Novak Djokovic is finally back at the US Open. Due to COVID restrictions, Djokovic didn’t play last year.

For Djokovic, the US Open has been his toughest Grand Slam, winning just three times in nine finals. Despite that, he’s still the tournament favorite.

Not surprisingly, he’s excited to be back.

“I’m just very, very looking forward to that,” Djokovic said Friday at the US Open. “It’s been two years when I played last here and lost finals to Medvedev in ’21, going for four slams in a year. I haven’t performed well that day in terms of tennis. But what I felt from the crowd, that kind of connection and love and support that they gave me throughout entire match and also in the closing ceremony, was something that I carry still in my heart, and I still feel vibes from that night of the finals two years ago.”

Last time Djokovic played New York was going for the Calendar Slam, this he’s trying to tie the all-time Grand Slam record of 24 titles held currently by Maragaret Court.

“Grand Slams are the biggest goals that I have in my career at the moment. I always speak about that, that I aim to peak and perform my best in Grand Slams,” he said. “I don’t know how many more slams I’ll have. I’ll still keep going. I don’t have an end in my mind at the moment. I also understand that things are different when you’re 36, so I have to be more appreciative, a bit more I guess present, treating every Grand Slam as maybe your last one in terms of commitment and performance.

“I see this every Grand Slam that I play right now as really a golden opportunity to make more history. Of course, there’s a big significance to that.”

Two years away, Djokovic said he will keep the same routine of staying in New Jersey once the event starts.

“I combine the city with New Jersey. Normally before the tournament starts, I’m in the city. Once the tournament starts, we go into full lockdown mode. My friend has a beautiful estate there with tennis courts. Just me and my family, we stay there. We have a relaxing time. It’s great in the off days between the matches, you just kind of recharge, rejuvenate, and you’re able to come out and really have more energy.

“I just feel like the city is amazing, but after a while it starts being a distraction. When the tournament starts, what you need is the tranquility, just taking things day by day.”

Djokovic opens in a good part of the draw Monday night against Frenchman Alexandre Muller.

You Might Like:
Paris Masters In Doubt Due To COVID Spike In France
Novak Djokovic Unsure About Playing Australian Open… Right Now
Novak Djokovic An Anti-Vaxxer?
Djokovic Downs Musetti In Latest Finish Ever At French Open; Ruud, Fritz Advance, Zverev Wins Thriller
Novak Djokovic Releases Statement: My Good Intentions Have Been Misconstrued