Djokovic doesn't give up: "I want to keep pushing myself to see if I can have another opportunity in a Grand Slam"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 30 Aug 2025 | 07.59

Djokovic does not give up: "I want to keep pushing myself to see if I can have another chance at a Grand Slam". Photo: Gettyimages

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Novak Djokovic is a competitive machine. Having won absolutely everything in the world of tennis, his hunger to continue making history is intact. This was evident in this US Open where he arrived at the age of 38. After two somewhat irregular matches, he displayed an improved and reliable version to defeat a combative Cameron Norrie (6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3) and advance to the New York Grand Slam's round of 16.

Following his victory over the Briton, he now has a total of 192 Grand Slam wins on hard courts, a new record that further enhances his legend. With many years of experience and despite having two beasts ahead, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the 24-time Grand Slam champion wants to seize another opportunity to enrich an unparalleled track record. In a post-match press conference, he talked about his career, tennis future, back pains he experienced, and his feelings after the Norrie victory.

Satisfied with his performance against Cameron Norrie

"I played well, especially in the third and fourth sets, I started hitting the ball harder. And, honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by Norrie's level. I think he played very aggressively. I wasn't used to playing against him, playing so close to the line and hitting the ball very early, particularly with his forehand. It must be acknowledged that he fought hard and played at a really good level, especially in the second set and at the beginning of the third. But I guess when it mattered, I managed to score some really good points, good shots, good serves. Yes, my serving performance has undoubtedly been the best so far."

"These kinds of matches and victories always give me hope of going far, of challenging the best players in the world. As for how I feel, the truth is that I have ups and downs. Yes, it frustrates me not being able to feel 100% as I have for over 20 years. But well, I guess the circumstances are very different, and I have to get used to the fact that anything can happen in each match, as has been the case this year in almost every Grand Slam."

Caring for his body for what might come

"I'm just trying to do my best and manage the days when I don't have a match. Probably, tomorrow I'll skip training and focus solely on recovery because I believe that is the most important thing for me and my team right now. I feel good with the ball. Can I play better? Yes, always. But I'm happy with the hours I've spent on the court playing matches in the first three rounds. So I think it's more about taking care of the body and getting it in the best possible shape for the next match."

His passion for medical prevention

"Look, if someone has been very open and curious to try new things or, for example, acquire any scientific knowledge about sports, sports medical science, that states it's beneficial, whether it's machines, different treatments, methods, or anything else, I am the first to try it because I really not only want to be able to extend my career and perform well at this stage for as long as possible but also because I love well-being and longevity. It attracts me a lot, it's one of my greatest passions in life. I have always enjoyed seeing not only how sick we can become but also how healthy we can be. Prevention, I work a lot on that."

Accepting his new situation

"Honestly, I don't think I can do much more than what I'm doing now. If my body doesn't respond when I reach the final stages of Grand Slam tournaments, as has happened in the last tournaments, it's hard for me to accept because I know the number of hours I dedicate daily to taking care of my body. But, at the same time, biological age is not something that can be reversed, it is what it is. The physical wear and tear of all these years is taking its toll, and I am aware of it, but I resist. I'm trying to give my best to keep competing with the young players at the highest level."

Retirement is not in his short-term plans

"I think I was quite honest in the press conference after the Wimbledon semifinals, I gave some clues about what's on my mind. I mean, of course, now I ask myself more questions than ever about how long I want to continue at this level and how I want to approach my schedule to extend my career because I really want to keep playing. I still enjoy competing; I can be very demanding of myself and my team, I know that, but I still feel that I have game left, you know, to play at the highest level."

"As I've said several times, as long as I feel that level is still alive, still present, I feel like I want to move forward. I want to keep pushing to see if I can have another opportunity in a Grand Slam or any major tournament. And also enjoy the support and affection I have received in recent years, which has been incredible wherever I have gone, and I really enjoy that feeling. There are other reasons and motivations why I keep playing. But yes, there is also an internal debate within me, but I try to focus my thoughts and attention on this very present moment of what needs to be done, so I keep competing, and I might get a little more philosophical when the tournament ends, but I will try to focus on the next challenge here," affirms a Novak Djokovic who, despite being 38 years old, wants New York to be the place where he further enlarges his legendary career.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic no se rinde: "Quiero seguir esforzándome para ver si puedo tener otra oportunidad en un Grand Slam"