The 38-year-old Serbian legend remains focused on “one match at a time” as he eyes another milestone while recalling Jimmy Connors’ iconic run in New York.
New York [US], September 1: Novak Djokovic, already etched in history with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, is still chasing the magic number—25. At 38, the Serbian maestro delivered a clinical performance to dismantle Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, booking his place in the US Open quarterfinals. His next challenge? A showdown against number four seed and home favourite Taylor Fritz.
While just three wins separate him from yet another historic triumph, Djokovic insists on keeping his focus grounded.
“It’s still a very long way. What I’ve learned over the past couple of years is to take one match at a time,” Djokovic said in his post-match remarks. “Of course, I’m dreaming about winning another Slam. It would be amazing if I do it here, but I can’t allow myself to think too far ahead. My job is to focus on the next match, the next challenge.”
The US Open has always been a special place for Djokovic. His last Grand Slam victory came here two years ago, and winning again in New York would, in his words, “close the circle” beautifully.
Making History at 38
Djokovic’s latest achievement makes him the oldest man in history to qualify for all four major singles quarter-finals in a single season. He also joins tennis greats Pancho Gonzalez, Ken Rosewall, and Jimmy Connors as the fourth-oldest player ever to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
For Djokovic, sharing this milestone with Connors is deeply personal. He recalls watching replays of Connors’ unforgettable 1991 run to the semifinals at age 39.
“I remember that run. I was very young then, but as I grew up, everyone spoke about it as one of the most historic moments in tennis,” Djokovic said. “Jimmy Connors fired up the New York crowd like no one else. To even be mentioned in the same conversation with him is a huge honour.”
The Fritz Challenge
As Djokovic prepares for the quarterfinal, the stats tilt heavily in his favour. He holds a flawless 10-0 record against Fritz in their ATP Head2Head encounters. But Djokovic knows better than to take anything for granted.
With history beckoning and New York ready to erupt, the stage is set for another Djokovic classic.