World number one Novak Djokovic gathered journalists in Belgrade on Wednesday for a press conference. Before heading to Dubai for his recovery from his Australian Open title, the Serb started by talking about Steffi Graf’s record.
Novak Djokovic equaled the German on Monday with a 377th week at the top of the world rankings. “I am extremely proud to have set another record, this time Steffi Graf’s record. I’m lucky to have a great team around me and the tireless support of my family on this journey. I always try to remember where I started from and what it all took to get here.” said the Serb, who could become sole record holder on Monday.
Dubai for the recovery, the Serbian Open in April
Visibly recovered from his left thigh injury, the holder of 22 Grand Slam titles spoke about his schedule for the coming months. He will be there in Dubai next week and plans to play the Serbia Open, relocated to Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in April. The infrastructure that usually hosts the ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade is being renovated with a view to acquiring the ATP 500 license for 2024.
The Serb has announced that he will be present in April on the clay courts of the Bosnian city: “I intend to play and if I am in good health, I will come. I’m very happy because I only played there once, in 2009.”.
The world number one should however not be able to play the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments in the spring, the American authorities having extended until April the vaccination obligation for foreign visitors. “Some things are beyond my control, but of course I would like to play” these tournaments, added the one who, for this reason, had not been able to play the US Open last year.
A 60th opposition with Nadal on the Chatrier?
As the 60th duel approaches between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the world number one has a clear idea of where he would like to play him: “The 60th game? Roland Garros final! I think he and I would both agree that it should be over there. He’s definitely my biggest rival.” said the Serb, who leads 30-29 in head-to-head matches with Nadal.
