Novak Djokovic (zimbio.com)
A lengthy elbow injury has failed to derail Novak Djokovic from his future aspirations on the tour.
The 30-year-old hasn’t played a competitive match since Wimbledon after doctors advised him to end his season. Djokovic has been struggling with an elbow injury in recent months, which was made worse by ‘excessive playing.’ Since officially ending his 2017 campaign, Djokovic is yet to lift a racket. During an exclusive interview with SportKlub, he admits that pain continues to be a problem.
“I’m trying to be in shape, I do not play tennis because the elbow still hurts. I have worked a lot on fitness, I work every day, I try to be in shape.” Said Djokovic.
“I miss the competition, but not to the extent that I do not know what else I will do. I have many beautiful things that are happening to me right now, the most beautiful thing is that Jelena and I two weeks ago became parents the second time.” He added.
With his sights set on a January return, Djokovic is gradually increasing his fitness training. Earlier this week he uploaded a video of him conducting a morning workout outside in Belgrade.
Six months away from the tour appears to be a long time, but not with Djokovic’s thinking. When he returns, he aims to emulate his rival Roger Federer by playing late into his career. Federer had previously credited his six-month injury layoff in 2016 for his surge this year. Something Djokovic hopes to also achieve.
“I’m glad that I have these six months that I can in some way organize my life, to lay the foundations for my game and for my body and for my life in the next I do not know how many years.“ He explained.
As how how long he plans to stay around for is unknown, but Djokovic has outlined an ambitious target. To continue playing for another ten years until the age of 40. Currently the oldest player in the world’s top 100 is 38-year-old Ivo Karlovic.
“‘I’d like to say 10 years, so we’ll see how long I will last in professional tennis. I really have no fixed plans, nor is the end in sight. I still want to play, to prove myself and others. Just to move the boundaries, to perfect myself. I believe that, as far as I have achieved in tennis, so far, I have much more to do and perfect.”
So far in Djokovic’s career he has won 68 titles on the ATP Tour. This includes 30 Masters 1000 and 12 grand slam trophies. Despite the impressive collection, the former world No.1 is still eager to improve his game further with the help of his team. Yesterday it was confirmed that Andre Agassi will continue to coach Djokovic in 2018.
“I see the elements of the game in which I see plenty of room for improvement.” Admitted Djokovic. “Perhaps others do not see it, but I see, it’s nice that my team sees it, so there is room to devote to analysing my game.”
It is yet to be confirmed where the 30-year-old will start his comeback. Recently it has been reported that the 12-time grand slam champion has opted to skip Doha in order to play events in Australia ahead of the first grand slam of the season.
“For the first time in my life, I have five months when I can gradually raise the level and fitness and games, and to be mentally change for when I enter the new season, I hope to be at me peak.” He concluded.