Even after 23 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic will certainly not take his foot off the accelerator when he plays Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final later today.
His flame of ambition still burns hopelessly too brightly.
“There are people who think that I breathed a sigh of relief when I won my 23rd title in Paris. I didn’t. My goal is really quite simple: I want to walk away with the laurels,” said the Serbian star.
After all, Grand Slam victories are now at the very top of his priority list.
Djokovic is chasing his eighth Wimbledon title and fifth final victory in a row. Despite his silverware success, he admits that the nerves are still gnawing. Pressure undoubtedly plays a role.
“The nervous butterflies still flutter before every dear game; therefore I am going to approach this final as if it were my first one. I cannot afford to relax, sit back and watch things unfold. My approach will not change – I will play with seriousness and commitment.”
For the final time this Championships…
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He also looks forward to competing against Alcaraz; a player who is 16 years younger than him. Still, after one of his Wimbledon victories in the run-up to the final, Djokovic joked that 36 is the new 26 – a statement he underlines with every winning shot and nimble dance move on the court.
“This final against Carlos is the one everyone has been waiting for. It is true that this is his first final at Wimbledon, but we are both playing good tennis at the moment.
“He is young. He is motivated. He is hungry for success. But I am also very hungry; let’s move closer for a tennis festival.”
The match kicks off this afternoon at 15:00 and the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
