Novak Djokovic says he “can always be better” as he reflects on his career and future in tennis
Djokovic's Reflections on His Tennis Journey
Novak Djokovic says he can always improve, even after securing a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles. The 39-year-old Serbian star shared his thoughts with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King during an interview that aired on Friday. "I can always be better than I was yesterday," Djokovic explained, emphasizing his continuous drive for excellence. Despite his remarkable achievements, Novak Djokovic says he can always find new challenges to pursue on the court.
At Wimbledon earlier this month, Djokovic faced tough competition. He lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Jannik Sinner after a grueling five-hour-and-15-minute quarterfinal victory over Felix Auger Aliassime. "The body is responding differently and that's just biology," Djokovic said, noting the wear and tear from more than 20 years on the professional tour. "I just couldn't fully recover for the semis and I wasn't as fresh as I wanted to be."
Looking Ahead to the U.S. Open
Now, Novak Djokovic says he can always push forward as he prepares for the U.S. Open in New York City next month. When asked about his biggest competition, his answer was clear: "Myself, always." He described the upcoming tournament as "the most entertaining, most exciting Grand Slam" and highlighted the crowd's energy as one of his main motivations for continuing to compete.
Family Support and Balance
Tennis wasn't a natural fit for Djokovic, who comes from a family of professional skiers. "I do come from a family of professional skiers," he shared. "I was 4 years old when I started playing tennis and said no one had touched the racket in my family, extended family, ever before." Despite holding the all-time record for most weeks as No. 1 in men's singles at 428 weeks, Djokovic credits his parents for supporting his choice to pursue the "most expensive sport."
He also acknowledges the sacrifices his family makes. "I leave them, the absence, missing out on some important dates and events in their life … it's hard," Djokovic said. "But I also want to balance it out now. That's why I don't play as much as I used to, because I want to be the best husband, father, brother, son that I could possibly be."
Serena Williams' Return
Last month, 44-year-old Serena Williams returned to professional tennis after nearly four years away. Novak Djokovic says he can always appreciate the journey, having experienced similar challenges himself. "Let's enjoy and celebrate who she is, what she has achieved," Djokovic told "CBS Mornings." Williams lost her opening singles match at Wimbledon and withdrew from her doubles match with sister Venus due to a knee injury.
"It doesn't matter if she wins or loses, it's already epic," Djokovic said. "It's what I told her personally in Wimbledon and it's what I truly honestly feel in my heart. So I want her to feel happy and joyful on the court because in a sense, to some extent, I know how it feels, still trying to push at that age when you have achieved everything that you possibly can."
"Novak Djokovic says he can always be better than I was yesterday" — reflecting on his career and future in tennis.
Next month, a new documentary titled "Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter" will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the tennis legend's life and career, offering fans another opportunity to see why Novak Djokovic says he can always find new reasons to compete at the highest level.