Novak Djokovic has sent an ominous warning to Rafael Nadal and his other rivals by suggesting there will be ‘no end’ to his career for as long as he believes he is better than anybody else. The Serb has been the dominant male player for quite some time in light of Nadal’s injury struggles, while Roger Federer took himself out of the equation by retiring from tennis last year.
Djokovic’s mental outlook has undoubtedly contributed to his longevity at the top, with the 36-year-old recently celebrating his 400th week at the summit of the ATP rankings. He gave a telling insight into the secrets behind his success in an interview with The National, explaining that he firmly believes he is the best tennis player in the world.
“What worked for me and still works for me is that confidence level,” began Djokovic. “Of course, always balanced with respect towards the opponent, towards the game, appreciation for the moment, but just self-belief that I know when I’m out there on the court, on any surface against anybody, I am better.
“I am the best. I don’t think there is anything arrogant or pretentious about it, as long as it’s balanced towards respect with the opponent. I try throughout my entire life to always greet and treat every rival with respect, whether I win or lose. I know what they’re going through.”
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Djokovic went on to reveal that he sees ‘no end’ to his career unless his mentality changes, with his meticulous approach to looking after his body helping him to remain at the highest level as he approaches his forties.
“Things have changed in terms of the age,” he added. “Maybe up to 10 or 15 years ago, anybody who passes the border of 30 years is already old and they are counting his days. Nowadays… Nadal this year is 37, I’m 36.
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“Federer was 40 and still playing at the highest level. Tom Brady, Serena [Williams], [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi, it’s unbelievable. It also gives inspiration to young athletes. They can expand their career and don’t put the limit mentally just because somebody else imposes that. There is no end really, in your mind, if you take care of your body.”
It seems likely that Djokovic will end up with more Grand Slam triumphs than any other player, with the reigning US Open champion widely expected to keep playing after Nadal retires next year. The latter recently conceded that Djokovic is the greatest player in the history of tennis, insisting that the numbers paint a clear picture of who is on top.
“I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics,” Nadal told Spanish newspaper AS. “In that sense, I think [Novak Djokovic] has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable. This is the truth. I think that, with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss about that.”
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