“Focus All My Attention on Slams”: Novak Djokovic Sets His Sight on Federer and Nadal’s Record

After winning his 18th Grand Slam title at the 2021 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic is about to achieve another historic milestone. In a week’s time, Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer’s record of the most weeks spent at the No. 1 ranking.

Now that he is certain of transcending Federer’s record, Djokovic talked about the achievement coming as a tremendous relief. Recently, in an interview, Djokovic mentioned that he would now focus his entire energy on Grand Slam events after clinching the record for the most weeks at No. 1.

“Now, after achieving the historic No. 1 ranking for the longest weeks at No.1, it’s going to be a relief for me because I’m going to focus all my attention on Slams, mostly. When you are going for No. 1 rankings, you kind of have to be playing the entire season,” said Djokovic.

The Serbian revealed that he also plans on shifting his playing schedule now, which he could not do since aiming for the most weeks at No.1 meant playing the entire season.

Novak Djokovic to plan a selective schedule

Considering he’ll turn 34 this year, Djokovic understands that focusing on just the important tournaments will be crucial for his career’s longevity.

The 9-time Australian Open champion feels that tweaking his schedule will help him fulfill his responsibility to his family. Due to quarantine protocols amidst the pandemic, Djokovic hasn’t been able to travel with his kids and wife.

“My goals will adapt and will shift a little bit, which means that I will have an opportunity to do that which, as a father and a husband, I’m really looking forward to that. Judging by what we’re seeing around the world, having family on the road with me will be a very difficult task,” remarked Djokovic.

Originally scheduled to play at the Dubai Open next, Djokovic has now cast doubts over his participation. The World No. 1 will take a break from the tour to recover from the abdominal tear he suffered during his third-round match at the Australian Open.

With Djokovic just two Grand Slam titles away from arch-rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the GOAT debate has further intensified.