Tennis titan Novak Djokovic has made a startling revelation that he no longer covets the coveted number one position in the world tennis rankings. His main focus now is making waves in the Grand Slams, despite recent criticism over his seemingly indifferent attitude following his Indian Wells defeat earlier this month.
The tennis world was left puzzled when Djokovic, a 24-time major winner, was spotted grinning excessively after a stunning loss to Botic van de Zandschlup in California. Djokovic, who has enjoyed the top spot for over 400 weeks but currently ranks fifth, did not let this criticism deter him. The 37-year-old tennis maestro showcased his remarkable prowess over the weekend, clinching a record 411th ATP Masters 1000 match win.
His 6-1 7-6 (1) third-round triumph over Argentine sensation Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the Miami Open also pushed Djokovic closer to his 100th singles title. However, in a post-match interview, the Serbian legend elaborated on his evolving ambitions.
“If the number one spot comes as a result of stellar performances and numerous titles in a season, that’s fantastic. However, that’s not my primary goal,” Djokovic confessed. “My aim is to perform at my best in the Grand Slams and the tournaments I participate in. I have adjusted my schedule. I’m not in pursuit of ranking points anymore.”
His current approach is different from his previous years, where the desire to top the chart was more prominent. “I’d rather win a Grand Slam or a major tournament than reach the number one spot. At this moment, that’s more meaningful to me,” he added.
Djokovic’s recent statement indicates that he is prioritizing certain tournaments while still maintaining his fierce competitive spirit. This should assuage those who criticized his laid-back demeanor following his Indian Wells defeat.
Djokovic has had a string of losses recently, including his Australian Open retirement against Alexander Zverev and his Qatar Open loss to Matteo Berrettini. Former professional CoCo Vandeweghe voiced her concerns over Djokovic’s nonchalant attitude after these defeats.
Ex-British star Andrew Castle, however, believes that Djokovic’s recruitment of recently retired Andy Murray as a coach underscores his determination to compete with the new generation of tennis stars. “Novak is the best player I’ve ever seen, irrespective of gender or generation. It’s commendable that he has brought Andy Murray onboard, showing he still cares,” said Castle.
Despite this, Djokovic has admitted that maintaining his top-tier performance while combating physical challenges is becoming increasingly difficult. “I’m struggling to play at the level I aspire to,” he confessed after his California loss. “I have some good tournaments every once in a while, but most of the time, it’s a challenge and a struggle. Nothing can prepare you for such moments, and you have to handle them as best as you can.”
