Becoming the first player to generate over $20 million in prize money within one season is an outstanding achievement, but not a surprising one according to Novak Djokovic.
Since the start of 2015, the world No.1 has won 94 out of his 100 matches on the tour, giving him 13 titles, including five Grand Slam trophies. The surge in success for the Serbian has placed him at the top of the ATP rankings with 16,790 points. This is almost twice as much as world No.2 Andy Murray (8,855). This week Djokovic has a chance to extend his unbeaten start to the year at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The top seed has enjoyed multiple success at the tournament in his career after a clinching a quartet of titles in Dubai. His most recent triumph occurred in 2013 when he defeated Tomas Berdych in straight sets to claim the title. Since 2013, the tournament has been dominated by Roger Federer, who is currently out of action due to injury.
Reflecting on his triumphs on the tour, including his $20 million 2015 season, the world No.1 was unsurprised about his recent form due to the high amount of dedication he invests in the sport.
“I have to be honest, it doesn’t surprise me,” Djokovic told UAE newspaper The National.
“I expect a lot from myself, and I put a lot of dedication into every aspect of the sport in order to get the results I’m getting.
“I try to approach each tournament optimistically, and I believe I can win every match that I play against anybody on any surface. The tournaments and results I have had in the last couple of years give me enough reason to be optimistic. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.
“I try not to be overconfident because I have lots of respect for all the players and I know I am not the only one who wants to be the best in the world”.
The biggest test in Djokovic’s dominance could come in May at the French Open. The 28-year-old is yet to win a title at Roland Garros, finishing runner-up at the tournament for the past two years. Last year he suffered a surprise loss in the final to Stan Wawrinka.
Wawrinka will also be present at this week’s Dubai tournament. Recently the Swiss player told local media that he feels he has the ability to end Djokovic’s winning run. The showdown between the two men is still far away, both must reach the final before playing each other.
This week Djokovic will be bidding to win his 62nd ATP title. His first round match will be against Spain’s Tommy Robredo, who he has beaten on six previous occasions.
