World No.1 Novak Djokovic has had an exceptional season, even by his lofty standards.
The Serbian has accumulated an 18-0 match winning streak to start the year, and is playing some of the best tennis of his career.
After leading Serbia to victory at the
inaugural ATP Cup, the 32-year old went on to capture his
eighth Australian Open title. His winning streak almost came to an end at the hands of Gael Monfils in the
Dubai semifinal, but Djokovic was able to save three match points before eventually capturing his
fifth Dubai title.
“Of course, I'm trying to embrace the moment and appreciate where I am,” stated Djokovic post-match. “I think this has been one of the best starts of all seasons I had in my career. I feel great on the court. I've been playing great tennis on the hard court that is my most successful and preferred surface.
“I'm just grateful that I'm playing well, feeling well. I've won many matches now in a row. I'll try to keep that run going. It's just way too early to speak about how long that run might go, the calculations. I try not to think about predictions.”
With
Indian Wells less than two weeks away, the Serbian hopes to capture his sixth championship at the event. He is currently tied with Roger Federer at five titles, which is the most in tournament history.
“I've set what my goals are, they're very clear to me,” said Djokovic, who has a 50-9 record in Indian Wells, but hasn’t won the title since 2016. “I'm working towards them. I will try to stay healthy and fit and have possibly a great Indian Wells and Miami. It hasn't happened for the past three years for me there. I'm really motivated to do well. Also, a lot of points are up for grabs there for me.”
Could the Serbian equal his previous career-best winning streaks?
Djokovic has won 21 consecutive matches or more on seven different occasions during his storied career. This includes a 43-match winning streak during the 2010-2011 season, a year where he compiled a 70-6 record and captured 10 ATP titles.
“The season [2020], as I said, started in a most perfect way possible." Djokovic explained. "I am aware of the fact that most of the matches that I'm going to play, the players will not have much to lose. They will go out and try to play their best and stop the streak. At the same time the more I win, the more confident and comfortable I feel playing the next match and competing and really performing well.
“I have couple of weeks now till my first match in Indian Wells, which allows me to recover, rest and get ready, be in top shape.”
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