DJOKOVIC SHOWS THAT HE’S JUST A JORDANARY GUY
NOVAK DJOKOVIC is taking inspiration from Michael Jordan after extending his Grand Slam tally to 22.
The Serbian superstar equalled the male all-time singles record held by Rafa Nadal with victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open.
The new world No.1, who was deported from Down Under last January due to his Covid anti-vax stance, now has a perfect 10 wins in finals in Melbourne Park.
“I am glad that I am winning enough that people think I have forgotten how to lose,” he said. “No one likes to lose but you have to lose. I have lost a lot of matches, tough ones, finals of Grand Slams that I should have won but I didn’t.
“But, as Michael Jordan used to say, people only remember the good times. I failed, I failed, I failed and that is why I succeeded in the end.”
One of the most famous quotes by NBA legend Jordan (above) is: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that’s why I succeed.”
Djokovic, 35, has returned to world No.1 for the first time since last June and is scheduled to play in Dubai next month.
But he is set to miss the masters events at Indian Wells and Miami in March as the requirement to be vaccinated to enter the USA will remain in place until April.
As for his GOAT battle with Nadal, their Grand Slam rivalry is set to resume at the French Open in June. Djokovic is 6-4 favourite to be crowned king of Roland Garros, with Nadal 5-2.
Djokovic and Nadal, 36, have now won 16 of the last 19 Grand Slams. And while the Serb insists the next generation will provide a stern test for both of them, he was quick to insist neither he nor his Spanish rival are planning on departing the stage just yet.
“I guess we always find our A game in the Slams,” said Djokovic (top). “This is what I feel about both myself and Nadal. What still motivates us the most is winning the biggest titles in our sport and trying to keep up with the young guns. We are not going anywhere.
“I still have lots of motivation. Let’s see how far it takes me. I really don’t want to stop here. I don’t have any intention to stop here.
“I feel great about my tennis. I know when I’m feeling good physically, and I’m mentally present, I have a chance to win any Slam against anybody.
“Of course, 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is. But I still feel there is time ahead of me.”