Djokovic claims to have recovered from a muscle tear in his left hamstring that he had sustained in Australia and is undefeated in all 12 matches he has played so far this season.
On Monday, Novak Djokovic said that it was “surreal” to surpass Steffi Graf’s record of 377 weeks at the top of the rankings and that he was proud to do so.
The Serb will compete in Dubai for the first time since winning his record-breaking 22nd Grand Slam title and 10th Australian Open crown last month, marking his 378th week at the top of men’s tennis.
Djokovic told reporters in Dubai on Sunday, “I still want more accomplishments.” The objectives keep me going. I’m just as committed to the sport as anyone else.
Of course, it’s strange in a way to have held the top spot for so long and to tie Steffi Graf, one of the greatest men’s and women’s athletes in the history of our sport. It’s humbling to be listed alongside these legendary figures. It genuinely makes me happy.
Djokovic claims to have healed from a left hamstring muscle tear he sustained in Australia despite being undefeated in all 12 of his matches this season.
Djokovic will begin his tournament in Dubai on Tuesday when he takes on Tomas Machac, a Czech qualifier against Andy Murray, Daniil Medvedev, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Murray, who is one week younger than Djokovic and has been the Serb’s rival since they were teens, is coming off a stunning week in Doha, where he won four matches in three sets before losing in the final to Medvedev.
This has become a theme for the British former world number one, who also put in impressive performances at the Australian Open last month.
Because of everything Murray has been through with his hip, Djokovic said, “what is happening now this year with his match points saved in literally every match he plays.
You have to admire him and say “chapeau” to the number of hours he spent on the court since the beginning of the year, particularly in Australia.” Djokovic went on to say,
“The number of hours he spent on the court, especially in Australia, since the beginning of the year.” Djokovic continued, “What’s up with him saving match points in almost every match this year?”
Murray mentioned, “You must note that he has an artificial hip and is moving in the manner that he does.”
He seems to have been dealing with improving and getting back to the most elevated level continually. He is still relatively new to the rankings. The level keeps getting better.
Djokovic has also been paying attention to the recent success of Chinese players on the ATP tour.
The Chinese men Wu Yibing and Zhang Zhizhen, as well as the young Shang Juncheng, are among the top 100.
Djokovic claimed that he had always been aware that men from China would soon rise in the rankings in the same way that women from China have done on the WTA tour.
“China’s tennis is supported by me. It matters a lot. The fact that China is also doing well in men’s tennis is significant.
As a part of the tennis ecosystem, I think it’s great news for us all over the world,” he added.