Djokovic Knew the men’s tennis record, ready for more

Novak Djokovic is back on top.in order of priority tennis player in the world. And he is not going to give up the top spot anytime soon.

The Serbian star’s victory over Greek Stefanos Tsitsipaks was his 10th Australian Open title. The win also tied him with Spain’s Rafael Nadal for a men’s record 22 Grand Slam titles. The Australian Open is the first of four annual Grand Slam championships, followed by the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

After the win, Djokovic said that I still have a lot motivation. Let’s see how far it goes. I really don’t want to stop here. He added that I feel good about my tennis. I know that when I feel good physically (and) mentally, I have a chance to win any Slam against anyone.

Djokovic did not get to play in the Australian Open in recent years deportee for not having been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. This year he had to deal with a leg injury. And he had to deal with questions about seeing his father in pictures with Russian supporters.

After the victory, a tearful Djokovic said he had an emotional breakdown. He told the audience that it took a lot of mental energy, but he wanted to see how far he could go.

Djokovic, along with the Swiss Nadal and Roger Federer, are often called the big three of tennis. Between 2003 and 2023, they won 64 of the last 77 Grand Slam tournaments.

In the modern game, only Roger Federer has won a Grand Slam tournament over the age of 35. In 2018, Federer won the last of his 20 Slam tournaments at the age of 36. The following year, at age 37, Federer was just one point away. Of winning Wimbledon but losing to Djokovic in one of Wimbledon’s biggest Matches.

Federer is now 41 years old and retired. Nadal is 36 years old and withdrew from the Australian Open this year due to injury.

With Djokovic turning 36 in May, tennis fans are questioning how long Djokovic can continue winning Grand Slams.

Definitely two, three more years, said Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion who has coached Djokovic since 2019. The way he takes care of his body, the way he (approaches) everything. . .that’s awesome.

But there are young players competing for the top spot. Last year Spain’s Carlos Alcarazi became the youngest ever world number one at the age of 19 after winning the US Open. A foot injury kept Alcaraz out of this year’s Australian Open.

Djokovic was also not allowed to play in the US Open last year because he was not vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. No decision has been made about this year’s US Open. But Serbia is considered among the favorites for the French and Wimbledon championships.

Physically, I can hold myself ok. Of course, 35 is not 25, although I like to think it is, Djokovic said. But I still feel like I have time ahead of me. We’ll see how far I get.

I’m Andrew Smith.

Howard Fendrich wrote this story for the Associated Press. Andrew Smith adapted it for VOA Learning English.

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The words in this story

investment -of. position on a scale relative to others

motivation -of. a desire to do something or achieve certain goals

expel -v. a government measure to force a person out of the country and return them to their country of origin

match -of. an athletic competition between two individuals or teams

ok -adj. characterized by high strength, speed and endurance

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