After a great battle, Novak Đoković defeated Cameron Norrie and qualified for the round of 16 of the U.S. Open after a 3:1 victory.
After the match, he also had an interesting conversation with the media. He was asked about the number of weeks he spent at the top of the ATP list, from which he stepped down last June.
“I honestly forgot about that. One week less doesn’t change much. I’ll be okay with that. Maybe we’ll discuss it if someone gets close, but for now, it’s fine. I haven’t even thought about it. I chased and defended that number one, I was in that position longer than anyone else. One week more or less, for now I’m okay, we’ll see if that changes,” Đoković said.
The conversation then moved to the match itself and how he felt and played on the court.
“I am more satisfied with how I played. I am surprised at how well he played; his shots landed close to the line, especially on the forehand. Matches like this give me hope that I can compete with the best in the world. Physically, it’s up and down. It’s frustrating that I can’t always be at 100 percent, as I was for twenty years, but I have to come to terms with the fact that something can always happen. I try to do everything I can, I will probably skip tennis practice on Saturday and focus on recovery. I spent enough time on the court in the first three rounds; the goal is to be ready for the next match.”
He also commented on the back injury he sustained during the match.
“That thing with my back happened during the match. It was an exciting point, I was at the net, I was moving in the right direction and I made a quick move, I felt something in the left side of my back. I felt that I needed treatment… I told him at the net that my intention was not to disrupt him. I felt better afterward, we’ll see the reality when it cools down… I was lucky that the strain didn’t remain, but only for a few games.”
He then explained that he is open to different options.
“If anyone was open to trying new things, to exploring sports science, machines, different methods and treatments, I’m the first one who will try it… Not only because I want to extend my career and play well, but I love wellness in general; it’s my passion. I always love to see how healthy we can be, to work on prevention… However, now I can’t do much. If my body isn’t right in the final stages of the slams, then it’s a bitter pill because I know how hard I try. On the other hand, the biological clock is ticking, the wear and tear on the body is taking its toll, but I am resisting.”
He also had a message for the end.
“I still want to play; I’m strict with myself and the team. I feel that there is still a level of game in me to play at the highest level. As long as that is the case, I want to continue and see if I can have a chance for another slam and a big title. I also enjoy the support and love of the fans in the last few years; I enjoy those feelings. There are other reasons too. I often have a discussion with myself, but I try to focus on the present.
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Source: Nova, Photo: Instagram/Djokernole