Beaten by Carlos Alcaraz this Friday, in half of the US Open, the former 38 -year -old Serbian number 1 is still inhabited by the dream of a 25th record coronation in a big slam.
Beaten Friday for the fourth time in a row in the semi-final of a Grand Chelem tournament, Serbian Novak Djokovic (38 years old) “Do not give up” At his quest for a 25th title in a major tournament, he told New York. “It will be very difficult to overcome obstacles” embodied by the n.1 and 2 in the world Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but “I do not give up the big slam, I will continue to fight”said the current 7th in the ATP ranking after his defeat in three sets against Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the US Open 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.
“I always want to play all the big chelems next season. These are different tournaments from others and the pillars of our sport ”added Djokovic, whose last title in one of these major tournaments dates back to the US Open 2023. “I am satisfied with my level of play, but it is the physical aspect” Who sins, developed the ex-N.1 world.
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“After the quarter -finals, I said that I would do my best to put my body in condition and support this level and this rhythm for as much hours as necessary, but that was not enough”regretted the native of Belgrade. “Unfortunately, I was short of energy after the second set” Against Alcaraz, winner 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in about two and a half hours. “It is also this kind of feeling that I felt against Jannik” Sinner, who beat him in the spring in the semi-finals of Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.
It is obviously frustrating when you are not able to support the comparison physically, but at the same time it is not a surprise, it is linked to the time that passes, to the age.
Novak Djokovic
“The format in five sets makes the task very, very difficult” against Alcaraz and Sinner, “Particularly in the last laps of a large slam”a reconnu Djokovic. “It is obviously frustrating when you are not able to support the comparison physically, but at the same time it is not a surprise, it is linked to the passing time, at age”he added. “I always appreciate the thrill of competition. Today, I received great public support (…) I had a good time on the court. This is one of the main reasons for which I continue ” to play. “The love I have received around the world has been great in recent years”.
Asked about his program by the end of the season, Djokovic said that the only tournament he was sure to play was ATP 250 in Athens in early November.
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