After collecting “a lot of training in last three, four weeks” and shifting his focus to the four majors, Novak Djokovic is willing to accept the chance of opening the US Open without playing in a competitive match since Wimbledon.
The Serbian world number seven has slowed down the demanding regimen that had characterized his career, avoiding this month’s hard-court workouts in Toronto and Cincinnati as he pursues a record 25th Grand Slam championship.
Djokovic, who won his final major championship and fourth US Open in 2023, stated that he has “earned the right” to choose his own schedule.
“I decided not to play because I wanted to spend more time with my family,” the 38-year-old Djokovic told reporters in New York on Friday.
“To be honest, I think I earned my right and have the luxury of kind of choosing where I want to go and what I want to play.
“To be quite frank with you, I don’t enjoy the two-week Masters events anymore. It’s just way too long for me. My focus is mostly on the slams.”
Co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association Djokovic also offered his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the two-week Masters tournaments, which have been criticized by both players and spectators.
According to him, the agreements are “quite solid… 30-year contracts,” so a reversal is improbable. Although he backs players who are against the schedule, he pointed out that elite players frequently don’t participate completely in talks.
“This is an ongoing story of the players expressing their feelings, but when you really need to put in the time and energy into conversations and meetings… it’s necessary because you’re doing something not only for yourself but future generations,” he added.
Regarding prize money, Djokovic described recent Grand Slam prize money rises as a “step in the right direction” but said that more work is required for players all around the world to earn a living.
“Not many tennis players live out of this sport globally. That’s not something that I see has been talked about enough,” he said.
“Then there is the inflation part, which is a completely different topic, but important to take in consideration when you talk about these things.”
