“My goal is to always try to go all the way to the finals and fight for the trophy,” Novak Djokovic declared ahead of the US Open. For starters, the 37-year-old, who is aiming for a 25th Grand Slam, will lock horns with Radu Albot at Arthur Ashe Stadium. While the Olympic gold medalist has set his goals straight, the Romanian qualifier aims to put on a strong performance. While not expected to be a major threat to Djoker, Albot’s recent words have left many baffling.

Before facing Novak Djokovic for the maiden time, the Moldovan tennis player sat down for an interview with We Love Tennis. There, he revealed his unvarnished assessment of his upcoming hurdle in the form of 24 time Grand Slam champion. “I’m looking forward to this match. It’s a big challenge for me, a test of my abilities. I know the match will be broadcast around the world. I go on court to win, but I fully understand the challenge of facing him. If I play great tennis, I’ll leave satisfied.” 

The 34-year-old player, who defeated Shintaro Mochizuki in the final qualifying round before appearing for the main draw, further added, “I’m aware that Djokovic is a tougher opponent than Federer, who I’ve faced twice. Having faced him, as well as other great players like Murray, can help me deal with the emotions of a match like this. I’m curious to see how the fact that it’s a best-of-five match will affect him. I have to be mentally prepared to make the necessary adjustments as I go along.” 

Albot’s face-off against Roger Federer in Basel and the Miami Open (in 2019) ended with the latter’s victory. The outcome was the same when he faced the British player, Andy Murray, last year in Indian Wells. Moreover, Moldovan spoke to ATPTour.com ahead of 30th major main draw and revealed how he had practiced with some tennis giants, and that Djokovic looks an unexplored opponent.

Radu Albot’s wife, Doina, was checking the US Open draw on her phone when she discovered a surprising fact: her husband had been drawn to play against Novak Djokovic, the defending champion and second seed.

“My reaction was that I never played him, so it’s interesting, it will be interesting to do that, but also at the same you expect when you qualify to get an easier draw, of course, than to play against the second seed,” Albot said. “I practised with Rafa, practised together with Roger, but I never practised with Djokovic and it’s going to be the first time that we’ll play on the same court.”

While Albot may prove his mettle in a few hours from now, Novak Djokovic is ready to deliver his amazing tennis once again!

Novak Djokovic reveals how he keeps his “competitive spirit” alive!

After a series of stuttering performances in 2024, Novak Djokovic claimed the ultimate title-the career golden slam-for which the Serbian had to wait for over a decade. And when he did, speculations regarding his participation in the upcoming tournaments started rising. However, defying all odds, the former World No. 1 is back to win a fifth title in New York!

Speaking on this, he said, “People ask me, ‘Now that you’ve basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win?’ I still feel the drive. I still have the competitive spirit; I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis and play tennis.”

Now as Novak Djokovic begins his hunt for a first ATP title this season, his opponent, Albot, gears up for a “tough,” match! The tennis world is waiting for the match eagerly!