Novak Djokovic claims all the work is ‘paying off’ after becoming oldest world No.1 in history
Novak Djokovic made an emphatic start to the clay court season at the Monte Carlo Masters, dropping only three games against Roman Safiullin.
Djokovic beat the Russian, 6-1 6-2, to win only his third match in the past four years at the tournament.
The Serbian appeared impressed in his first match since splitting from long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic, “I’m very pleased; even in the games that I lost, I had break points in those. It was a really good match to start the clay season, which has always been a little bit up and down for me.
“I started off well in this tournament last year and then I lost the second match. I hope to maintain this rhythm, I have a day of training tomorrow and then I’m hoping to come back with the same aptitude and quality of tennis.”
Djokovic will take on Lorenzo Musetti in the third round on Friday in Monte Carlo, and he will be looking for revenge after the Italian beat him at the same stage in the tournament last year.
Oldest ATP World No.1’s in history
On Monday, Djokovic confirmed his status as the oldest singles world No.1 in the history of the ATP rankings at 36 years and 322 days.
And when speaking after his win in Monte Carlo, Djokovic drew comparisons to Rohan Bopanna, who is currently the oldest ATP doubles No.1 at 44-years-old.
“I met Bopanna yesterday who is the oldest [men’s] doubles number one in history,” said Djokovic. “He said that we have a combined age of 80!
“He does contribute to the 80 more than I do. But to still compete at the highest level and be number one in the world at almost 37 is not something I dreamt or planned to become a reality.”
Djokovic, who now wears the Court FF 3 shoes, concluded, “But all the work and dedication to the sport in the end, and to body and staying fit, is paying off. I’m able to maintain that longevity and extend my career for years and years.”
| Oldest ATP Singles World No.1’s in history | Age |
| 1. Novak Djokovic | 36 years and 323 days* |
| 2. Roger Federer | 36 years and 320 days |
| 3. Rafael Nadal | 33 years and 244 days |
| 4. Andre Agassi | 33 years and 100 days |
| 5. Jimmy Connors | 30 years and 304 days |
*Current world No.1
Novak Djokovic and ASICS
Djokovic wears the latest self-titled ASICS Court FF3 Novak trainers, that are ‘made to move like you do – quickly, powerfully and straight towards victory’. The new Court FF 3 Novak shoes have an increased outsole contact area, enabling the shoe to ‘create a stable landing and reduce the load placed on the body’.
One of the other new adaptations that have been made by the Japanese trainer giant, includes having more flexibility at the midfoot when braking and turning, which is ideal for clay courts where movement is crucial. There are also new technologies used in the shoe, with the TWISTRUSS support system allowing you to push off the ground with more force and recover quicker to that ready position. As well as the MONO-SOCK, that supports the foot through the wear and tear of playing through an entire tournament – which Djokovic often does!
Fans of Novak and ASICS can enjoy Tennishead’s review of the new Court FF3 and can then go one step further and receive their own pair of these amazing shoes complete with a head-to-toe ASICS outfit by joining the legendary Tennishead CLUB
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