‘I’m tired of that question’ – Novak Djokovic reveals frustration
Novak Djokovic has had enough of this question at the US Open, expressing as much following his quarter-final win over Matteo Berrettini.
The world number moved one step closer to history by defeating the Berrettini in a Slam for the third time this year, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
Djokovic is now just two wins away from completing the Calendar Grand Slam, the last man to do so being Rod Laver in 1969.
While he recognises the astonishing feat that he is so close to achieving, the Serb is becoming annoyed by the constant questions about his quest.
“I’m only focusing on the next match,” Djokovic cut off Patrick McEnroe during his on-court post-match interview.
“Do not ask me anything about history, I don’t wanna think about it. I know it’s there. I’m just focusing on the next match and let’s go step by step.”
He then thanked the crowd before swiftly moving towards his chair to gather his belongings and leave the court.
Later in the tournament press conference, a reporter asked why Djokovic wanted to stay away from that line of questioning.
“Because I’ve been getting that question quite a lot, recently, which is understandable,” the 20-time Slam champion replied.
“But I just, I had enough of answering that. I’ve said millions of times, of course I’m aware of the history, and of course it give me motivation.
“But also if I start to think about it too much it burdens me, mentally. So, I just want to really go back to the basics and what really works for e mentally.
“I’m in a position that is very unique, I’m very grateful for that, and I’m inspired to play my best tennis. But I know what works for me to win just the next match.”
That next match is against world number four Alexander Zverev, the man who ended Djokovic’s drive for Olympic gold in Tokyo earlier in the season.
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