Novak Djokovic says he doesn’t think the upcoming Australian Open is ‘now or never’ over his hopes of winning a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The 38-year-old Djokovic has achieved 24 major victories with Australia’s Margaret Court since his last win at the 2023 US Open.
Unsurprisingly, the Serbian has shown signs of decline in recent years, but still managed to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year.
Considering he is a 10-time men’s champion in Melbourne and has had plenty of recovery time in the first major of the season, the consensus is that the Australian Open offers his best chance to clinch the elusive record-breaking title.
“There has been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I have achieved, not on what I might achieve,” said Djokovic, seeded fourth, at Melbourne Park.
‘I hope it comes to that [winning 25]but 24 isn’t a bad number either. I have to appreciate that and remind myself of the great career I’ve had.”
Djokovic has never made a secret of his desire to make even more history, but is now trying to remove some of the ‘unnecessary’ pressure he puts on himself to surpass Court.
He begins his latest bid against Spaniard Pedro Martinez in Monday evening’s session at Rod Laver Arena.
“I don’t think it’s necessary for me to really go far in terms of ‘make it or break it’ or a now-or-never mentality,” said Djokovic, who aims to become the oldest men’s Grand Slam champion of the Open Era.
“That doesn’t ensure that I can excel and do my best.”
#Australian #Open #Novak #Djokovic #ease #pressure #chases #25th #Grand #Slam #title