By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, December 26, 2022
Novak Djokovic knows all about creating closure.
The former world No. 1 owns an eye-popping .958 winning percentage (896-39 record) when winning the first set in his career.
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Though Djokovic is a strong finisher, he concedes he has no end game in mind.
The 35-year-old Serbian will take aim at a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown next month and says he plans to continue competing "as long as I possibly can."
“I would like to play as long as I possibly can," Djokovic told the media at the World Tennis League. "I don’t have really any number in my head. Things are progressing so far pretty well for me. I can’t complain.
"So as long as I play at this level, as long as I have the fire, I’ll keep going.”
Last month, a determined Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3 in the Turin final to make history as the oldest-ever ATP Finals champion—and equal Roger Federer's record capturing his sixth year-end crown.
After that title, coach Goran Ivanisevic said he believes the best is yet to come for Djokovic.
Why?
Because the 21-time Grand Slam champion is working harder than ever, owns more weapons than the rest of the pack and is driven to surpass rival Rafael Nadal's men's major mark of 22 Grand Slams and reach 100 career championships.
"He's practicing even harder than he when he was 22. That's why he's still so good and that's why he's still going to be even better," Ivanisevic said.
"The will to practice, the will to improve, the will to be better is amazing. He's taking care of his body. In my time we stop tennis with 30, 31. You were already old guy ready to leave.
"But now unbelievable."
For now, Djokovic, who missed two of the four Grand Slams in 2022 due to his unvaccinated status, is focusing on his Melbourne Park return.
“After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.”
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve