Novak Djokovic doesn’t have many new experiences on the court at this point in his career, so it was a pleasant surprise to celebrate the beginning of the year with his fellow countrymen in front of hundreds of devoted fans at Perth’s RAC Arena. The 36-year-old defeated China’s powerful striker Zhang Zhizhen in straight sets at the United Cup, displaying no signs of rust. With seven minutes to midnight, he then led the way home with Olga Danilovic in a pivotal mixed doubles match.
“The season is off to a fantastic start. Fantastic way to ring in the new year. We have a saying in Serbia that goes, “I think we’re going to have a great season and great year, all of us, if the entire year is going to be as kind as the sunrise or the first minute of the new year,” Djokovic was cited by ATP as saying. Despite having made it to every major final and won three of them the year before, the Serbian player only dared to call it one of his best.
“To some, it might seem unattainable or unrealistic. To others, it might come across as conceited. I’m not sure. I’ve always had a great sense of self-worth. I am aware of my excellent all-around skills. I’m capable of winning any Slam or tournament when I’m at my best physically. I am aware of that. “I have no qualms about stating that,” the 24-time major winner declared. “My desire to shatter more records and add to the game’s history is no secret. That’s what inspires me daily,” he continued. Danilovic, a teammate, declared that she had accomplished a goal of hers by defeating the top athlete in her nation in a match.
Naturally, talk turned to Djokovic’s intentions for the upcoming campaign. “Obviously Grand Slams, Olympic Games, playing for my country, Davis Cup, all these competitions where you represent Serbia is the greatest honour and pleasure,” said Djokovic. “It’s a very long year, season. I’ll have to obviously work in a way step by step with my body to see how it feels, how I react when I change surfaces, what kind of schedule I need to have in order to peak at the right time in the biggest tournaments,” the record seventh ATP Finals title winner said.
Djokovic will travel to Melbourne in an attempt to win an unprecedented 11th Australian Open championship, having guided Serbia through the United Cup. “I believe that mindset, along with the daily work I have done for the last twenty plus years—of course with my family and team—have enabled me to achieve my goals and become the person I am today. That’s not how I’m going to approach 2024 or any other year I might play,” Djokovic declared.
