Soon to be world No.1 Novak Djokovic isn’t getting too carried away concerning the latest milestone achieved in his career.
Djokovic, who was ranked as low as 22nd in June, will return to top spot on Monday as a result of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the Paris Masters. The rapid rise back to the top has been accelerated during what has been a stellar second part of the season for Djokovic. Since June, he has won four titles, including two at grand slam tournaments. Overall, he has won 29 out of 30 matches played on the tour since Wimbledon. His only loss was to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Rogers Cup.
“It’s quite a phenomenal achievement. And of course I’m very, very happy and proud about it.” Said Djokovic.
“Five months ago if you told me that, I always believe in myself, but it was highly improbable at that time considering my ranking and the way I played and felt on the court.”
Despite nearing towards the peak of his form, Djokovic is refusing to let it derail his focus. Even though he continues to set new milestones. At the Paris Masters on Thursday, the 31-year-old won his 30th consecutive set on the tour for the first time in his career. His previous best was 29, which was set during the second part of 2015.
Gaining in momentum, celebrations has been halted by the Serbian, who is eyeing a dream end to the season. Later this month he will be bidding to win the ATP World Tour Finals in London for the sixth time. Equalling Roger Federer’s all-time record.
“It’s not the end of the season. Rafa obviously is struggling with injuries since the US Open. But the race is still there. Roger is in the race. Rafa is in the race. It depends who is going to play London.” Djokovic analysed.
“I can’t be too ecstatic about it. I’m obviously not happy to see him (Nadal) being injured and pulling out from the tournament in this final race for top rankings.”
Stakes are high in Paris
At the AccorHotels Arena, Djokovic is bidding to become the first man to win the Paris Masters for a fifth time this week. Victory would also allow him to draw level with Nadal on the all-time list for most Masters 1000 titles at 33. His route to the quarter-finals of the tournament has been straightforward. After receiving a first round bye, he dismissed Malek Jaziri in straight sets followed by his third round opponent, Damir Dzumhur, retiring after 55 minutes of play.
“I don’t need match play so I’m not looking for extra time on the court. I’m not concerned that I don’t have enough time on the court.” Djokovic explained.
“I played a lot of matches, especially in the past five months. I’ve won a lot of matches. So obviously results help to build confidence.
“When you have a high level of confidence, then you feel more comfortable with certain shots that you wouldn’t normally feel comfortable if you don’t have a high level of confidence.”
Awaiting him next will be Marin Cilic, who defeated Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(5), 6-4, in his third round match. Historically Djokovic has dominated their head-to-head 15-2, but this year it has been a different picture. At the Aegon Championships he lost to Cilic in the final, before getting his revenge a couple months later in Cincinnati. Both of those matches went to three sets.
“I’ve played him many, many times and we practice a lot. We respect each other. We get along very well. We speak the same language. So I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great match.” He said about the upcoming clash.
A win over Djokovic would give Djokovic his 21st consecutive win on the tour. A run that hasn’t been repeated by any other player on the ATP World Tour this season.
