Novak Djokovic, a player known for his utmost confidence and consistency recently said in an interview that he could beat anyone or win any slam when he is at his peak.
While most players are gracious and grounded in their ability and confidence, some others exuberate their passion and strengths. Novak Djokovic, the current World No. 1 is one such player, who is not afraid and is unfiltered when it comes to being confident in himself.
After beating China in an outstanding showcase of talent, Djokovic addressed the post-match press conference where he was asked about his ambitions for this season and how he plans to overachieve given the standards he set last season, winning three out of the four Grand Slams.
To which, the Serbian replied by saying that even though some people might take his statement as ‘arrogance’, he has immense self-belief in his hard work and skills and that he can show up and win at any tournament or Grand Slam if he is at his peak.
“Well, that’s kind of a mindset that I nurtured over the years. Might seem unrealistic or impossible to some. It might seem arrogant to some others. I don’t know,” he said.
“I’ve always believed in myself very strongly. I know that I’m a very all-around player. When I’m fit, when I’m at the peak of my performance, I can win any slam or any tournament. I know that. I’m not afraid to say that.”
Djokovic added that it is not a secret that he wants to achieve more and be better than last year. Talking about his plans for the season, the Serb said that the Paris Olympics and the Grand Slams are still his primary targets.
“It’s not a secret that I want to break more records and make more history of the game. That’s something that keeps on motivating me,”
“I mentioned a little bit, I mean, five minutes ago, that Grand Slams, Olympic Games, hopefully I can win another medal for Serbia in the Olympics. I would love to do that. That’s one of the highest goals for this year,” he added.
Novak Djokovic headlines Indian Wells Open, set to make a return after 5 years
Serbian World No. 1, Novak Djokovic is ready to make a comeback at the ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells after a long break that has extended to over five years.
The Serbian maestro last participated in the competition back in 2019, but after that due to a series of unforeseen incidents, Novak couldn’t come back. The impact of COVID-19 and the travel restrictions put up by the US authorities didn’t allow any unvaccinated person to enter the country’s borders.
Novak had applied for a special permit that would’ve allowed him to enter the country and compete in the tournament. However, his request was rejected and he had to withdraw his participation.
Speaking about his excitement to be finally back at the Indian Wells tournament, the Serbian shared a video on his social media platforms where he can be seen reminiscing the good times he has had there.
“It has been five years, way too long to not be part of the Tennis Paradise tournament, one of the best tournaments in the world without a doubt,” Novak said in a video expressing his excitement to be back at the Indian Wells Open.
“The first time I won the title in Indian Wells, it was one of the greatest titles of my career at that point. I remember I played Mardy Fish in the finals,” he said.
He recalled his epic encounters with his fellow tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
“I was fortunate to win the tournament another four times and played some epic matches in the finals against [Roger] Federer and [Rafa] Nadal and many of the great players in that era. I’m really looking forward to coming back.”
