Novak Djokovic Reveals Idolizing Soccer Legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic

With winning three Grand Slam titles in 2021, Novak Djokovic has proved that he’s currently the best player in the world. This year as well, the Serb has retained his World No. 1 position. Djokovic will be next competing at the Nitto ATP Finals in Italy. Just ahead of the major event, in an interview, Djokovic talked about some ideologies that he believes in.

Novak Djokovic confessed that he has adopted Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s philosophy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a 40-years old Swedish professional football player. He is regarded as one of the best football players of all time. And Djokovic used his example to convey that retirement is still very far away.

Novak Djokovic admires Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s philosophy

Novak Djokovic has had an incredible season in 2021. Out of the four major titles, the Serb has obtained three. However, his dreams of Calendar Slam were crumbled by Daniil Medvedev in the finals of the US Open 2021.

Just before the Nitto ATP Finals, Djokovic participated in an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport. In the interview, Novak Djokovic talked about idolizing the philosophy of legendary football player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Djokovic said, “I like Zlatan’s philosophy, the older I get, the younger I feel. He is truly the symbol of the Balkan mentality: the strength to never give up, and total self-confidence. In this, I recognize myself very much in him: The mentality of the champion who respects others but who enters the field with the awareness of his qualities that derives from the work ethic.”

Djokovic breaks his silence on retirement

Furthermore, Novak Djokovic also discussed his views on retirement. And the World No.1 still feels he has some healthy years ahead of him as he’s just 34-years old.

Djokovic said, “To reach 40 I am missing six. At my age the choices of the calendar become fundamental and distinctions need to be made : my focus is on the Grand Slams, the Masters 1000, and the Davis Cup because I am always proud to represent my country. I am still in love with the competition and the retirement is still very, very far away.”

At just the age of 34, Djokovic has achieved 20-Grand Slam titles. What do you think, how many Grand Slam titles will Djokovic end up with in his professional career?

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