Djokovic, 39, eyes historic 25th Grand Slam title at US Open amid injury woes for rivals
Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Novak Djokovic, 39, is set to compete in the US Open, aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
- A new documentary highlights Djokovic's 'inat' spirit โ a stubborn drive to prove doubters wrong.
- Despite rivals facing injuries, Djokovic remains focused on continuous improvement and extending his career.
At 39, Novak Djokovic is preparing to challenge for a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title at the upcoming US Open, a feat made more poignant by the struggles of his competitors. The Serbian star, currently ranked world No. 5, is the focus of a new documentary, 'Novak Djokovic: Winter Wolf,' released by Amazon Prime on August 21.
In the documentary, Djokovic reflects on the Serbian concept of 'inat,' describing it as a stubborn force that pushes one to prove others wrong when they doubt you. This spirit, he suggests, is a core part of the Serbian mentality. He also addressed his retirement plans, stating his desire to continue playing as long as he feels he is at the top and can compete at the highest level, always seeking to improve and become better.
There is a word in Serbian, 'Inat.' It means the stubborn drive to push forward to prove everyone wrong when they doubt you and everyone turns their back on you. That's the strong mentality of a Serbian, that's inat.
Djokovic's pursuit of his 25th major title comes as several top rivals face injury challenges, potentially clearing a path for the veteran champion. His enduring motivation and relentless drive for self-improvement continue to define his legendary career, even as he navigates the physical demands of elite tennis at an advanced age for the sport.
If I am still at the top and playing well, and regardless of age, I feel like 'I am the best,' then I want to continue. I always want more. I want to get better, faster, stronger.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.