Decorated Novak Djokovic still motivated ahead of US Open

By SABC Sport
26th August 2024

With little else left to achieve in the world of tennis, one would forgive Novak Djokovic for lacking motivation. But this is far from the case.

The indomitable Serb chalked off an important career milestone at the Paris Olympic Games this month when he defeated rising star Carlos Alcaraz to claim a gold medal, arguably the final feather in his colourful hat.

"'At 37, could this be the last chance?' Maybe, so I had to push more than ever," recollected Djokovic on the US Open website.

"It was kind of a dream scenario. Probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court."

Despite being fresh from the glitz of Paris, Djokovic revealed he is looking forward to playing under lights in the pressure cooker that is the Arthur Ashes Stadium at the US Open.

"People ask me, 'Now that you have basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win?'," said Djokovic, who stands alone in no less than 47 ATP Tour records.

"I still feel the drive. I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis, play tennis. The goal is always to try to go all the way to the finals and fight for the trophy. That mindset is no different this year.

"I can't wait to be under the lights. The noise, the energy of the stadium is just different from anything else. I look forward to it."

The 24-time grand slam winner will open his US Open campaign against the Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night.