Novak Djokovic might be at the top of the men’s game but that hasn’t stopped him from thinking about what he plans to do once his record-breaking career comes to an end.
The 34-year-old returned to action last week at the Paris Masters where he achieved two new milestones. On Saturday he secured the year-end No.1 position for a seventh time which moves him past the benchmark originally set by his idol Pete Sampras. Then a day later he avenged his US Open defeat to Daniil Medvedev by winning the Paris trophy to become the most decorated player in Masters 1000 history since the series was first introduced back in 1990.
Speaking in Serbian after his latest triumph in the French capital, a reflective Djokovic said he wants to share what he has learned as a player to others in the future and hopes to work in coaching. He already has his own academy in Belgrade which has been used as a training ground for many of his country’s top players. The Novak Tennis Center has a total of 14 tennis courts.
“Yes, I see myself as a coach in the future,” Tennis Majors quoted Djokovic as saying. “I truly love this sport. I do not love it only when I am winning; no, I love it when I am with my kids on the court, when I watch it live or on TV, and when I am trying to pass on my experience and knowledge to the upcoming players at the Novak Tennis Centre, to which I am very committed.”
During his career Djokovic has won 20 Grand Slam titles, including three this year alone. He holds the ATP record for most weeks spent as world No.1 and has earned more prize money than any other player in history. His on-court earnings currently stand at $153,520,718.
“Knowledge can be a curse if you do not use it, what is the point then? I mean, sure, I benefit from it, but what am I going to do with it afterwards – to take it with me to the grave, to say ’yes, I was the best’? No, I want others to have information about my career, my philosophy, approach, methodology of work etc.” He said.
It will still be some time before Djokovic walks away from the sport for good as he aims to reach new milestones in the coming years. For example, should he win the upcoming ATP Finals he will tie Roger Federer for the most times he has won the event at six.
“Throughout my career, I have always been honest enough to say that the history of our sport is too big a motivation. It is an objective to prove that I can break all the records with all the results that I can obtain on the tour professionally,” Djokovic explained.
“I love breaking records. I’m very motivated to carry on. My priority is the Grand Slams and Masters 1000 where you can gain the largest number of points. This is an added benefit of our sport.”
The ATP Finals will get underway on Sunday in Turin.
