![Novak Djokovic](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/063_1672860186-620x420.jpg)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFP
Novak Djokovic said he plans to play as long as possible while still being able to compete for the biggest prizes after winning a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open on Sunday.
The 36-year-old Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to tie Margaret Court’s all-time record for most major singles crowns.
Half of Djokovic’s Grand Slam victories have come since he turned 30. The Serbian has also won seven of the past ten majors he has competed in.
“I’ll continue. You know, I feel good in my own body. I still feel that I had the support of my environment, of my team, of my family,” said Djokovic.
“Grand Slams… have always been my top goal and priority all season long.
“I don’t play that much in other tournaments, so I’m trying to, you know, prioritize my preparation so I can peak at the Slams.”
Novak Djokovic continues to make history.@Australian Open | @Roland Garros | @Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/RrBFOQdiN6
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023
Djokovic returns to world number one on Monday for a record-extending 390th week, replacing Alcaraz at the top. Alcaraz is the only man to beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam this year.
His five-set victory in the Wimbledon final ruined the Serb’s bid for a calendar Grand Slam, but any indication of a passing of the torch proved premature in New York.
“Knowing that I’m still playing at such a high level and winning the biggest tournaments in this sport, yes, I don’t want to leave this sport,” Djokovic said.
“I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top, if I’m still playing the way I play.”
![Novak Djokovic](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/063_1673054124-620x400.jpg)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning a very long point against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their men’s singles final match on day fourteen of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2023 in the Flushing district of the Queens borough of New York City. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images/AFP
No numbers in mind
Djokovic admitted he sometimes questions his future in a sport he has dominated for more than a decade.
“I sometimes ask myself, why do I need this at this stage, after all I’ve done, you know? How long do I want to continue? Of course I have these questions in my mind,” he said.
But his habit of setting himself increasingly lofty goals as his career progresses means there are few thoughts of ending it anytime soon unless his body dictates otherwise.
“I don’t have any number in mind right now about how many Slams I want to win until the end of my career. I don’t really have a number,” Djokovic said.
“I will continue to prioritize them as my most important tournaments and where I want to play the best tennis.
“So that won’t change. That will remain the same next season, otherwise I don’t know how many seasons I have left. So let’s see.”
His coach Goran Ivanisevic joked that Djokovic’s unquenchable thirst for success could see him continue until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
He also said there was little chance Djokovic would hang up his racket if he were to win the Australian Open next year and claim the outright record with a 25th Grand Slam crown.
“He just enjoys it, he likes the challenges. As you ask me 25, yes, if he wins 25, he will think: if I win 25, why not 26? It is always one more, something more.”
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