Novak Djokovic says he “aspires to be the world No 1” but noted that “being No 1 is not anymore my absolute priority.” This week, Djokovic kicked off his 377th week as the world No 1 – with that, Djokovic tied the great Steffi Graf for the most weeks spent at the top spot.
Djokovic, who will be turning 36 in May, acknowledged being healthy and in shape for the biggest tournaments in the world is his main priority at this stage of his career. “I don’t have the first place as an absolute priority.
I aspire to be No 1, but for several years now I see it as a consequence of good results in the biggest possible tournaments, the Grand Slams. The priority is to stay healthy and in the best possible shape, in accordance with each of my segments on the court and outside of it.
I know when I’m aligned and balanced I can win any tournament on any surface. That’s my biggest priority,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic on competing in the United States
Last year, Djokovic missed the US Open, as well as three Masters events in the US.
When asked about the possibility of missing the US Open again, Djokovic said he would definitely like to play there but noted he won’t be stressing himself over it, just like he didn’t last year. “Last year I missed Indian Wells, Miami and all the tournaments around the US Open and the US Open.
It’s happened before and I hope it won’t happen again. My position remains the same and I can’t do anything about it, but I hope the outcome to be positive. My tennis in Australia showed that it doesn’t affect my game. The US Open is still a long way off, six months away.
I hope to be there. I can’t give you any further answer on that. It’s one of the biggest tournaments in our sport, I received the best support there during the 2021 final, which I unfortunately lost to Medvedev, I connected with people and I would like to come back,” Djokovic explained.
