Novak Djokovic is preparing for the first major of the season. The Serbian will start his quest for his 100th ATP title at the Australian Open, before attempting to extend his grand slam record. Although for many his numbers seem an unattainable figure, Djokovic believes that there is someone who can surpass his records: Carlos Alcaraz. “People say that nobody will ever break my records. But I doubt it. I mean, Carlos could be next. Even Jannik. Carlos has done something that nobody has done in history being so young. So I think he has every chance. I think he will surpass him very soon.”
This statement is included in the interview that GQ magazine conducted with Djokovic for its February issue. In a report conducted in Montenegro, the Serbian tennis player opens up about his career and aspects of his everyday life.
Novak clarifies his statement about Alcaraz: “He himself has said it, he wants to make history. He wants to be ‘the best in history’. I respect that kind of mentality, like, ‘Hey, I think I have what it takes’. But maybe it’s a little early to think about history.”
I’d like to have a drink or two with Nadal and Federer and openly talk about the things that bother them about me
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic also has words for Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal: “It’s a kind of relationship with ups and downs, to be honest. I always try to be respectful and friendly with them off the court. But at the beginning I didn’t have that acceptance, because I went on the court saying and showing that I was confident that I wanted to win. And I don’t think they liked that very much at first.”
“I would like to have a drink or two with them and talk openly about the things that bother them about me,” he says, laughing, “or vice versa, whatever. Let’s get it all out there. And I think I would love to learn from them and understand what they were thinking, how they handled certain situations on the court, how they handled the pressure of the world when they were at the top.”
Nadal, the rival who has intimidated Djokovic the most
The Serbian tennis player is clear about what he felt when he had to face Rafa Nadal: “Nadal was the most intimidating, without a doubt. Roger also had a huge aura, of course. And before playing against him, you felt it. But he did it with more grace, I guess. I mean Nadal, because we all share locker rooms, so you see the players warming up and stuff. Before playing against him, you already felt it… He wants to make his presence felt. You know? Physically. I’m jumping. I’m ready for a battle. I’m going to be physical with you from the start. From the first moment, you’re going to hear my growls. That’s very intimidating for a lot of players.”
I’m not pro-vaccine. I’m not anti-vaccine. I’m in favour of the freedom to choose what is right for you and your body
Novak Djokovic
Every time it’s time to play the Australian Open, Djokovic is questioned about his exclusion from the tournament in 2021 for not being vaccinated against Covid: “It was something political. It actually had nothing to do with the vaccine or Covid or anything like that. It was just political. The politicians couldn’t stand me being there. I think for them it was less damaging to deport me than to keep me there. I’m not pro-vaccine. I’m not anti-vaccine. I’m in favour of freedom to choose what’s right for you and your body. So I don’t think it’s right for someone to deny me the right to choose what I should or shouldn’t take for my body.”
After Nadal’s retirement in 2024, Novak Djokovic also talks about when the day may come when he decides to hang up his racket: “I think more about the how than the when. I don’t think so much about the when yet, but as for the how… I think if I start to lose more, if overcoming the challenges that Grand Slams involve becomes more and more of a challenge, then I’ll probably call it a day. But right now I’m fine, we’ll continue.”