Novak Djokovic said he is “looking forward” to the chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros.
Speaking to CNN’s Amanda Davis after his fifth Laureus award, Djokovic said he visualized the moment he became the most successful singles player – male or female – in history.
The Serbian superstar has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles to date – the most of any man – and currently shares the all-time record with Margaret Court. He will have a chance to break the record when the French Open starts on May 20.
“You don’t take anything but winning, that’s the mentality.” Somehow you imagine yourself already achieving it. So, you know, I was really looking forward to it,” Djokovic said.
He also pointed out that there will be fierce competition.
“Of course I’m not the only one who wants to win that title, but I’m looking forward to it.” I like to compete with different generations. You’ve got young guys coming in… they’re all incredibly hungry, fit and fast. But I use my flexibility to adapt my tactics and my game to them and understand really what it takes, you know, what it takes to stay on top and compete with these guys and try to win more titles.
Djokovic was presented with the Laureus Award by NFL great Tom Brady after a remarkable 2023 season in which he won three of four Grand Slams.
The pair have grown close over the years and Brady praised his friend for not only being an “amazing player and talent” but also a “great man”.
“He has great integrity,” Brady told CNN.
He only had words of praise.
“I think what you’ve seen over the years, competition, in my opinion, always brings out the best in people and it certainly brought out the best in him.”
Despite turning 37 this year, Djokovic said he has no plans to slow down and is nowhere close to thinking about retirement.
The focus, he said, is very much on the next tournament, rather than looking back on his achievements.
“I feel it’s so important to always remind yourself to be in the present moment, to really appreciate, to acknowledge, to remember where you came from, the journey, the path, as well as the people around you.” Every week there is something new and new events. So I think I’ll be able to really appreciate everything we’ve achieved really, only after my career, to be honest. Because while you’re still active…that’s the next task? What is the next challenge? You only have a few days or at most a week when you think about a big success”.
If Djokovic needs advice on his retirement preparations, then Brady could be the man to turn to.
The former quarterback originally retired in 2022, but returned to play for one season before ultimately retiring last year.
“I was very happy with the way things ended for me and now I can sit back and watch him and I have to go to El Clasico last night.” You will always love competition, it will never go away. You’re always going to love sports, but I think there’s also different ways you can contribute as you go through life.”
Speaking about how elite athletes manage to adjust to retirement, Brady added:
“We rarely look back. We always want to look forward because we are ambitious people. I think in this situation where we’ve been lucky, it takes a lot of ambition and it’s not like a switch that you just turn off. So just keep going as long as you can and try to make the most of every opportunity you get.
BONUS VIDEO Novak after relegation in Monte Carlo
