At 37, Novak Djokovic is still chasing history—but it’s not just Grand Slam glory keeping him on the court. The Serbian icon recently peeled back the curtain on what fuels his relentless drive, even as critics question his partnership with longtime rival Andy Murray and a rocky start to 2024 tests his resolve. After a wrist injury derailed his Australian Open bid and early exits in Doha and Indian Wells cast doubt, Djokovic is finally finding rhythm at the Miami Open.
A commanding win over Rinky Hijikata propelled him to the Round of 32, where he’ll face Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Yet, beyond the scorelines, Djokovic’s deeper revelations about joy, longevity, and purpose are stealing the spotlight.
Novak Djokovic’s blueprint for longevity
For Djokovic, tennis isn’t just a profession—it’s a playground. After dismantling Hijikata 6-0, 7-6(1) in Miami, he described stretches of the match as “flawless for a set and a half,” a nod to the mastery that still lurks beneath his recent struggles. But the real story lies in his candid reflection on sustaining passion amid the grind.
“If I play like I did [against Hijikata], then I feel joy on the court, regardless of where I am,” he confessed. “I want to keep going for as long as I have that feeling.”
This joy, he insists, isn’t tied to trophies alone. It’s the thrill of competition, the chase for self-improvement, and the quiet pride in defying time.
Novak Djokovic’s recipe for longevity hinges on two pillars: physical resilience and mental clarity.
“Staying healthy is important, and the body is not the same as it once was,” he admitted, acknowledging the extra hours spent rehabbing and refining his regimen. Yet, it’s his psychological grit that stands out. “Taking care of my…mental state, trying to wake up motivated—that’s what keeps me here,” he shared.
Rebuilding from the rubble: A season of trials
2024 has been a rollercoaster. A wrist injury at the Australian Open, a shock loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in Indian Wells, and a disjointed partnership with Murray tested his resolve. Critics wondered if the fire still burned. But Djokovic’s Miami resurgence—crafted during a grueling two-week training block—silenced doubters.
“I really worked hard…put in a lot of hours with Andy,” he emphasized, hinting at recalibrated focus.
The Miami Open, where he last competed in 2019, now serves as a litmus test. His crisp serving and tactical adjustments against Hijikata (winning 84% of first-serve points) suggest the old magic remains. Yet, Novak Djokovic’s ambitions stretch beyond this tournament. “So long as I can compete at the highest level, I’ll keep going,” he vowed, framing his career as a love affair with the sport itself.
Legacy beyond the trophies
Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major is well-documented, but his revelations in Miami reveal a deeper truth: he’s playing for the sheer love of the game. The joy of outthinking opponents, the adrenaline of tight tiebreaks, and the quiet satisfaction of defying age—these are the currencies that fuel him now.
As he prepares for Carabelli, fans are reminded: Novak Djokovic’s legacy isn’t just etched in records. It’s written in every drop shot, every roar, and every moment he steps onto the court, still hungry, still smiling.