“I want to ask Steffi Graf how she did it”

Novak Djokovic has arrived in Japan to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and he looks as confident as ever. After winning the first three grand slams of the year, Djokovic is five-fifths away from the “calendar gold grand slam” (that is, winning all four grand slams and Olympic gold medals in the same year). three.

Steffi Graf Is the only player in the history of tennis to complete the calendar gold Grand Slam, she did it as early as 1988. When asked at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday whether he had received any advice on the matter from Graf, Djokovic’s answer was no.

However, he did admit that it would be good to pick German brains on how to perform this task.

“I have no contact with Steffi,” the Serb said. “But if you can connect me to her, I want to ask how she did it. I have a lot of my understanding of Steve and everything she has achieved in her career, and the mark she has left in our sport. , A deep respect and admiration.”

The Serb continued to reveal that earlier he thought the calendar gold slam was impossible. But Djokovic believes that this is a “realistic” goal for him now, and he hopes to draw inspiration from Graf’s “championship mentality” to try to achieve this elusive feat.

Djokovic said: “When I think about her final achievement-winning four Grand Slams and Olympic gold medals in a year-I think it’s very unlikely that someone can do it again.” “But. It seems more and more realistic to me now. Of course this is one of the goals and dreams. It is difficult to compare the day she played with the current situation. But still, the championship mentality she has is definitely something that inspires me. Hope. I can use it in upcoming missions.”

However, Novak Djokovic did emphasize that considering that every game could become a landmine, he did not look too far.Djokovic also mentioned his mistakes in the 2016 season, when he was able to complete the Golden Slam after the French Open, but in the end Wimbledon.

“I will take it slowly, a little at a time,” Djokovic said. “In the past, I didn’t have sufficient experience, which was counterproductive to me. I know that many things are in danger, and history is in danger. I am honored to be in this position, but if all goes well, let’s talk about history before I finish. After the game, it’s great here.”

Although Novak Djokovic realized that he was in the middle of a historic season, he refused to participate in the “greatest in history” or “goat” debate. On the contrary, the Serb claimed that he was only concerned about his career and claimed that he did not want to compare with other great men in the sport.

“I don’t want to compare with anyone,” said the world number one. “I have my own path, my own journey. I only focus on the next game.”

It’s a bit strange, I’m used to seeing at least one of them.”-Novak Djokovic talks about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s absence in Tokyo

Novak Djokovic regards this year’s Olympics as a regular event, which is different from the previous one-he admitted that he was at a loss for the occasion.The Serb also claimed that he is looking forward to his first round match, where he will face Hugo Delane.

“I am nervous about participating in the last Olympic Games,” Djokovic said. “When I played for Serbia, the situation was different. (But) I think this Olympics is a normal game. I hope to get the best results and focus on the first game, where I “Play with my opponent” hasn’t played before. “

The 34-year-old also talked about Juan Martin Del Potro, Who defeated him in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Del Potrozen Post a comment A few days ago, he joked on Djokovic’s Instagram that he “has a chance” this time because the Argentine is out due to injury. In response to this comment, Djokovic admitted that Del Potro “kicked his ass” every time he participated in the Olympics, and the Serb reiterated this view on Thursday.

Djokovic said: “Del Potro is not here, I am relieved, this is also my letter to him.” “But I am also very happy to see him on the tennis court. I saw some of his presence Pictures and videos of playing tennis outside. (He has done) a lot of operations. He is one of my best friends on the tour. Great guy, great champion… Everything he handles is very unfortunate, I hope he Can reach a high level very quickly.”

Novak Djokovic has an outstanding record in Asia, having won many championships in Beijing and Shanghai. Djokovic’s only time to participate in the Tokyo Open (2019) also won the championship, the world No. 1 recalled that match when talking about the conditions of this year.

“It’s great to be back in Japan,” Djokovic said. “I played a few games here and I won. The conditions are different, it’s very hot and humid. This time, the speed and jumping ability of the court are different.”

Novak Djokovic was later asked what it was like to participate in a game where Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were not present. Due to physical problems, Federer and Nadal have withdrawn from Tokyo. This is the first Olympic Games they will both miss since 1996.

View: Tokyo Olympics Medal List

“I don’t have the experience of Roger and Rafa not participating in major competitions,” Djokovic said. “It’s a bit strange to be honest, I’m used to seeing at least one of them.”

“The top six players in the tournament are here,” the Serb added. “Medvedev, Zispas, Zverev, Rublev are all here. They all want to win medals. But I am trying to focus on my game.”