THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 5, 2023

Novak Djokovic

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/J. Thompson

6-3, 7-6, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the press conference for Novak Djokovic.

We'll go straight into questions.

Q. You might be facing Stan Wawrinka in the next round. You played a big role in his career. What role did he play in your career? How can you describe your relationship? You practice together, talk together.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he took away two Grand Slams from me. That's the role he played, beating me in two Grand Slam finals (smiling).

No, I like Stan a lot. He's a great person. Really always inspirational what he's doing at his age. He's almost 40 years old and he still keeps going strong. That's something that not many people can do.

After several surgeries of his knees, he keeps going strong and trying to create some more history for himself and tennis. We cannot forget that he's a three-time Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup winner and also Olympic gold. He had a fantastic career.

That's why I think it's something that is very admirable and very impressive that after the difficulties, physical difficulties, he has been through in the last five, six, seven years, he still refuses to give up and still keeps going.

One of the nicest one-handed backhands that I have ever played against, ever seen. Very powerful player. Very strong. Very complete. He can play equally well on all surfaces.

I hope we get to play against each other because we haven't faced in quite some time. It will be the duel of the veterans of the tour if it comes to that (smiling).

Q. A question about your spiritual life. Probably more than any other tennis player, we've seen you in this very visible search for inner knowledge. Experience with a Spanish teacher, sitting by the Grand Canyon, climbing mountains in France, Bali. Are you still in that place? Have things shifted a little bit? Do you still see yourself as a real seeker?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think we all are. It's just that we all go through different journeys. I think the curiosity to discover the inner world as well as the outer world is something I feel like we all have, it's just manifested maybe for somebody earlier in life or someone later.

I feel very hungry for knowledge, for experiences. Life is a great journey that can offer a lot if one is open to experience. It just depends.

I can only speak on my own behalf. I've been through a lot of things in life for these 36 years. Very, very grateful for all that I have experienced. Also the bad experiences I've had, professionally and privately. Normally when you are feeling down, that's when you have an opportunity through those trials and tribulations to grow stronger, better, and to, yeah, I guess, use those lessons to become a better version of yourself.

It's a constant evolution. It never, never really stops. That's kind of the mindset I have on and off the court. That's the mindset that actually got me to where I am with my professional tennis career.

I never want to stop growing, learning, trying to improve, trying to understand the nuances, the details, whether it's with my game, whether it's with my body, whether it's with my nutrition, whatever it is, recovery, that can take me a small step further.

I know that the young guys, especially the ones that have intention to be at the top of the game, I know they're doing it, right? Everyone has their own way. I think it's important to keep going and keep growing because there is no such thing as stagnation, like being in the same place like you have been last year, because everything is changing.

Yeah, I think that's kind of an open mindset that I have towards life. I try to welcome all the experiences that I have and try to learn from them.

Q. You come here with 23 majors, ahead of Rafa now. Do you feel less pressure out there?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, not at all. Every time I walk out on the court, particularly in Grand Slams and center courts, I feel, of course, tremendous pressure and expectations from myself, from people around that are watching live or on TV, the whole tennis world, right?

It's a feeling that I'm used to by now, and it's something that I also embrace because it's giving me further motivation to strive to make more history.

I don't think it's ever going to change as long as I'm playing really. Regardless of the Grand Slam count fact, I still want to make my own results and my own journey. I think that's what drives me most nowadays.

Q. The other day you referred to memories of the young Novak. What's your perspective on age today and how it applies to you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you're only as young or as old as you feel. I feel young in my own body, in my own head, in my heart. My children remind me of that, the time that I spend with them. The innocence, incredible curiosity, pure love and energy that I get to experience with them is something that really, yeah, strengthens that inner child in you.

Also the fact that I'm still playing the sport that I fell in love with when I was very young. I think that is something that is very refreshing.

Yeah, the body's responding differently. I still have to say that I'm really fortunate and blessed to have healthy body really. Still at this stage, after 20 years of professional tennis, I'm able to compete at the highest level.

Of course, grateful to God and life for that, and my parents, of course, for genes. At the same time I know the effort that I put in on a daily basis, of course along with my team, is granting me the opportunity to be healthy.

Trying to enjoy the moment.

Q. PTPA have put some announcements in.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: PTPA announcements?

Q. Social media, appears to be making some sort of announcement. Do you know any information about when an announcement might be or what's going on?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: If I understood your question well, it's about PTPA's announcement. There are announcements that are coming out regularly, so to say. There's nothing special. I mean, every once in a while PTPA comes out with a certain announcement that is related to whether it's strategic move from the association or partnership, like, the recent one with UTR.

That's all I know for now. Vasek did as well, and a couple other players, some interviews. Maybe that's something that will come out soon. I guess that's maybe what you're referring to.