Fully-motivated Djokovic says Wimbledon his best chance to win record 25th Grand Slam title
The 38-year-old is trying to win the title for the eighth time, which would equal Roger Federer
Novad Djokovic (Ser) def Roger Federer (Sui)
Novak Djokovic has won every Grand Slam title at least three times but as he prepares to play Wimbledon for the 20th time, he knows this could represent his best chance to win what would be a record 25th major.
At 38, the former world No 1 is not quite the relentless force he was, certainly not in terms of consistency throughout the year. But the Serbian has still enjoyed remarkable consistency in the slams, and especially at Wimbledon, where he has made the final every year since 2018.
While Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, and world No 1 Jannik Sinner appear to have pulled away from the rest of the pack, Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times and one more title, which would put him level on eight with Roger Federer, remains a possibility, perhaps more so than winning any of the other three slams.
“Yes, I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to, yeah, perform the best tennis at the highest level,” Djokovic told reporters.
“Whether it could be my last dance, I’m not sure, as I’m not sure about Roland-Garros or any other slam that I play next. My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That’s the goal, but you never know at this stage.”
Six finals in a row at Wimbledon
Djokovic did not play a warm-up event on grass before Wimbledon, a well-trodden path for him, and he has long stated his focus is solely on performing his best at slams. He’s made at least the quarter-finals at 15 of the last 16 slams and at Wimbledon, he’s reached the last eight or better every time he has played since 2008, except for in 2016, when his motivation had dipped after finally winning Roland-Garros to complete the career Grand Slam.”
Last year he made the final just a few weeks after having knee surgery; this time, he is fully fit and fully motivated for another big run.
“It’s great to be back,” he said. I love Wimbledon. I’ve always loved it. Always dreamt of playing the Centre Court and winning it.
“I think in the last six editions, I had six finals. Been for one reason or several reasons playing very well in Wimbledon, maybe most consistently successful Grand Slam for me in the last 10 years.
“When I come here, I feel extra inspired to deliver the best tennis. We all know the tradition and the heritage and the culture of this wonderful tournament that has sustained that for so many years.”
