The past 12 months have seen Novak Djokovic create more history in the world of tennis.
At the US Open, the 36-year-old claimed his 24th Grand Slam title which is the most ever achieved by a male player in the sport. A couple of months later he became the first to clinch a 40th Masters 1000 trophy and next week he will spend a record 400th week at the top of the ATP rankings.
Djokovic could also create more history at the ATP Finals in Turin where he is the defending champion. Should he claim the title, he will become the most decorated player to participate in the event with seven trophies to his name. He is already tied in first place with six-time winner Roger Federer.
Given the milestones he continues to reach at his age, some argue that this season could be the best of Djokovic’s career. However, the Serbian has a somewhat different perspective.
“I wouldn’t say the best, but one of the best,” Djokovic replied when asked if he believed 2023 is the best year of his career.
“The fact that I’ve won three out of four slams and played a final in the fourth and it’s still not the best year of my life, it’s quite nice to have that kind of situation.”
“It’s definitely one of the best seasons. I had a couple of years, I think three times, that I won three out of four slams in a season. In those years, I won more matches. I was really feeling very dominant on the tour.”
In recent times, Djokovic has stated that his focus is on the major events which meant making adjustments to his calendar. Still, he has won 52 out of 57 matches played so far this year. His most recent triumph occurred on Sunday at the ATP Finals where he ousted Holger Rune in three sets. By doing so, he has sealed the year-end No.1 ranking.
“It’s quite different circumstances this year compared to all the other years because I played 10, 11 tournaments this year,” he continued.
“I just managed to peak at the right tournaments, at the right time. That’s what matters to me really.’
“I haven’t lost a match since Wimbledon, so… I’ve been feeling great on the court and playing really well.”
At the ATP Finals Djokovic will play Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jannik Sinner later this week in the group stages.
