“Vision to Break Their Record”: Coach Reveals Novak Djokovic’s Goals for 2021

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic once again reigned at the top for the season. From the Australian Open earlier this year, to a scintillating exit in the ATP Finals, the Serb played incredibly throughout the year. Although there is always more expected out of the Big Three, the 33-year-old’s coach Marian Vajda is satisfied.

In 2020, Novak equaled the American legend Pete Sampras in the year-end Number 1 record. They both have now remained at the peak of the list six times at the end of a calendar year. Djokovic is also breathing very close to Roger Federer’s long-standing Most Weeks Spent at Number 1 record (310). If the 17 time Grand Slam winner stays at the top, he’ll surpass the Swiss maestro in March or April.

“Novak Djokovic has a vision to break their record”: Vajda

Ever since his first Grand Slam in 2008, the Serbian has consistently walked shoulder to shoulder with both Federer and Nadal. In his 2020 season, he bagged one Grand Slam, one Grand Slam final, Two Masters 1000, and Dubai. Happy with the way their tour panned out, Djokovic’s coach highlighted their biggest achievement and the future.

“Novak has achieved an incredible performance, being the sixth year-end world unit is a fantastic achievement. He has met the goal he set at the beginning of the season. From the big four events, in the future, he has a vision to break their record,” said Vajda.

(All quotes translated via Google Translate)

Despite his accomplishments, 2020 wasn’t easy on the Serb. From being tested positive for the virus to being disqualified in New York, Djokovic managed to steer past all odds.

Read More: “Paid the Big Consequence”: Novak Djokovic Regrets US Open 2020 Disqualification

“He could have gotten far (at the US Open)”: Djokovic’s Coach

When the coach thought of the hurdles they had crossed, the achievements seemed all the more commendable. Vajda said, “I appreciate that Nole achieved successful results even after the restart of the season. I was a little worried about how he would be fit, he also overcame the coronavirus.”

The only bitter memory of the season was Novak’s unanticipated disqualification at the US Open after his episode with a lines judge. “He could have gotten far there as well,” said Vajda. The 33-year-old will start next season as the top-seed in Australia, where he has a record eight titles.

Apart from matching Federer’s big record, Djokovic also has the possibility of completing his second hat-trick at the Australian Open 2021. The only player to do so in the Open Era, the Serbian won the Australian Open title for three consecutive years (2011-2013). He also won in 2019 and 2020. Will he do it again?

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