At 36 years old, Djokovic has confirmed that he will be adopting a more condensed schedule in order to focus on performing at his best during the four major tennis tournaments each year.
Djokovic currently holds the record for the most wins in the ATP 1000 events, which are considered the second-tier tournaments in tennis, and it seems unlikely that his record will be surpassed anytime soon.
He is also the undisputed leader in terms of the number of weeks spent at the top spot in the ATP rankings, with a lead of over 100 weeks on his closest rival, Roger Federer.
With this in mind, Djokovic’s career focus moving forward is clear, and it may influence his decision on whether to participate in the Miami tournament or take a break after Indian Wells.
Respected tennis commentator Nick Lester shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s situation, stating that when aiming for the top rankings, it is necessary to play throughout the entire season. However, Djokovic’s focus now lies primarily on the Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic himself expressed that his greatest motivation still stems from his love for the game and his enjoyment of competition. He has set goals for himself, including winning another Grand Slam, reclaiming the number one ranking, and finishing the year as the top-ranked player. Additionally, he is looking forward to representing his country in the Olympic Games and finds inspiration in the Davis Cup.
Despite his achievements, Djokovic acknowledges that there are different perspectives among tennis players regarding when it is best to retire. He aligns himself with those who believe it is appropriate to leave the sport when they can no longer win the biggest tournaments and are consistently being defeated by younger players.
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson believes that Djokovic’s decision to participate in Indian Wells and Miami shows that his passion for the game is still strong, which may be concerning for his competitors. She emphasizes that there has been an overreaction to Djokovic’s recent defeat, as he was still a contender for the title in Australia and did not exit the tournament early.
Robson is pleased that Djokovic has committed to playing in the Masters series events, as it indicates his seriousness and dedication to the sport. She suggests that this may not bode well for other players, as Djokovic remains the favorite in every tournament he enters based on his track record.
Considering the quick turnaround between Indian Wells and the Miami Open, Djokovic may choose to withdraw from the latter if he advances to the later stages of the former. This decision is motivated by his desire to avoid burnout and injury as he navigates this stage of his career.
Djokovic has also expressed that he does not enjoy being away from his wife and two young children for extended periods. If he were to participate in both Indian Wells and Miami, he would be in America for most of March. He appreciates the support of his loved ones, emphasizing that their presence allows him to pursue his passion while still making significant progress in the sport.
According to the Source tennis365.com