Novak Djokovic earns plaudits from tennis journalist for admitting his desire to make more history in tennis
Novak Djokovic opened up about his desire to create more history in tennis ahead of the 2023 French Open. The Serb's straightforwardness has now earned him praise from tennis journalist Jon Wertheim.
In a pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic spoke about his desire to break more tennis records. The 36-year-old also cleared the air about any physical concerns ahead of his quest for a 23rd Grand Slam title.
Djokovic further highlighted that he was motivated and had a "very good" feeling about his chances at the 2023 French Open.
"Well, it's no secret that one of the main reasons I play today and compete in professional tennis is to try to break more records and make more history in tennis. That's extremely motivating and inspiring for me," Djokovic said.
"But as I said, at the same time, you know, things are different than they were 10 years ago in terms of how my body is maybe responding to the schedule. You know, I'm playing season after season," he added.
In light of Novak Djokovic's remarks, Jon Wertheim took to Twitter to express his respect for the reigning Australian Open champion.
"Respect for how ND addresses this w/o pretense: NOVAK DJOKOVIC: “Well, It’s no secret that one of the main reasons I play today and compete in professional tennis is to try to break more records and make more history in tennis. That's extremely motivating and inspiring for me,”" Wertheim tweeted.
Respect for how ND addresses this w/o pretense: NOVAK DJOKOVIC: “Well, It’s no secret that one of the main reasons I play today and compete in professional tennis is to try to break more records and make more history in tennis. That's extremely motivating and inspiring for me.”
One of Novak Djokovic's goals would be to become the men's tennis player with the most singles Grand Slam titles. Djokovic is currently tied with Rafael Nadal on that list, with both men having won 22 Majors.
Nadal has already withdrawn from the French Open, so many believe this is Djokovic's clearest opportunity to go one-up on the Spaniard.
Novak Djokovic to begin his French Open campaign against Aleksandar Kovacevic
Novak Djokovic will enter the 2023 French Open as the No. 3 seed. He begins his campaign against World No. 114 Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round on May 29.
Djokovic last won the French Open in 2021, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
The Serb has, however, endured a somewhat underwhelming clay season so far. He failed to win a single claycourt title ahead of Roland Garros, with his best showing being quarter-final appearances at the Srpska Open and the Italian Open.
Djokovic's task sounds even tougher when you consider the recent good form of his top 10 rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev. But many believe Novak Djokovic is still the joint favorite to win the 2023 French Open, along with Alcaraz.