Djokovic ‘feels the drive’ heading into US Open title protection

Novak Djokovic of Serbia practices forward of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle on August 24, 2024 in New York Metropolis. Jamie Squire/Getty Photographs/AFP

Serbian celebrity Novak Djokovic nonetheless feels the pull of tennis historical past as he goals to develop into the primary man in 16 years to efficiently defend his US Open title.

Second-seeded Djokovic, using the excessive of his Olympic triumph in Paris, is chasing a raft of data at Flushing Meadows, the place he opens his marketing campaign on Monday night time towards Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot.

The 37-year-old can be a part of Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer because the oldest Open period winners of the championship, and with a twenty fifth Grand Slam title declare the outright file for many ever — a mark he presently shares with Australian nice Margaret Court docket.

READ: Djokovic seeks twenty fifth Grand Slam title after getting Olympic gold

He would additionally develop into the primary man to repeat in New York since Federer received 5 straight US Opens from 2004-2008.

“I didn’t learn about that,” Djokovic mentioned. “I knew it was most likely the case for 5, 10 years, however I didn’t realize it was that lengthy.

“Hopefully that modifications this yr. That’s the objective.”

A victory would see Djokovic lengthen his streak of years with a minimum of one Grand Slam title to seven. From 2011-23 he was shut out on the majors simply as soon as, in 2017.

Up to now in 2024 the majors have gone to a brand new era. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is chasing a 3rd straight Grand Slam after triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Italian Jannik Sinner received the Australian Open on his technique to supplanting Djokovic atop the world rankings.

With Federer retired and Rafael Nadal battling accidents, Djokovic mentioned his budding rivalries with the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner hold him motivated.

READ: Djokovic understands gamers’ questions on Jannik Sinner case

“These form of rivalries that I’ve with Jannik and Carlos are the form of matchups that also deliver that pleasure of competitors to me and encourage me to actually push myself to good the sport,” Djokovic mentioned.

“Folks ask me ‘now that you’ve got principally received every part with the golden medal, what else is there to win?’

“I nonetheless really feel the drive. I nonetheless have the aggressive spirit. I nonetheless wish to make extra historical past and revel in myself on the tour.”

Djokovic referred to as the medal ceremony after his Paris Video games triumph “most likely probably the most intense feelings I’ve ever had on a tennis court docket”.

“I believe the second of after I achieved it, how I achieved it, after years of making an attempt, the journey… makes it much more distinctive.”

Nonetheless, he doesn’t envision any let-down as he tries to shut out the season with yet one more Grand Slam title.

“Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport,” Djokovic mentioned. “They’re a very powerful historic tennis occasions that we now have.

“So for those who don’t get pumped and impressed to play your greatest tennis at Grand Slams, it’s laborious to try this anyplace else.”