One match from finishing the first calendar-year men’s singles Grand Slam in 52 years, Novak Djokovic isn’t getting ahead of himself by tal...
One match from finishing the first calendar-year men’s singles Grand Slam in 52 years, Novak Djokovic isn’t getting ahead of himself by talking about it.
Djokovic defeated Tokyo Olympic champion Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 on Friday to reach the US Open final, where he will face Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev with tennis history at stake.
“I know everybody wants to talk about history,” Djokovic said. “I’m just trying to lock into what I know works for me.”
World No 1 Djokovic will try to complete the first calendar Slam since Rod Laver in 1969 and only the fourth ever after Laver in 1962 and Don Budge in 1938.
Australian legend Laver, 83, was in the stands to watch Djokovic continue his quest for history.
But the task remains unfinished, so talking seems premature to Djokovic.
“Why should I be happy? The job is not done,” he said. “That’s kind of the attitude I have.”
The 34-year-old Serbian star seeks his fourth US Open title and a 21st career Grand Slam trophy, which would give him the men’s all-time lead by one over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent with injuries.
Djokovic is keeping his usual routine between matches.
“I’m focusing on recovery, calibrating all the systems, getting that vital energy,” he said.
Djokovic, who would be the...
