Novak Djokovic says return to prime spot extra particular after robust 12 months

Novak Djokovic mentioned his return to the highest of the world rankings felt like an enormous achievement after a 12 months of turmoil the place he needed to skip a number of tournaments together with two Grand Slams, however the Serbian expects a see-sawing battle for the place in 2023.

Djokovic missed the 2022 Australian Open and was deported from the nation resulting from being unvaccinated towards COVID-19 earlier than returning this 12 months to clinch a record-extending tenth title at Melbourne Park and twenty second main to reclaim the primary spot.

He was pressured out of massive tournaments within the United States final 12 months, together with the U.S. Open, as he was unable to enter the nation resulting from his refusal to take his pictures.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup within the gardens of Government House the morning after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece within the males’s singles remaining on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. Djokovic has now gained ten Australian Open titles. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The 35-year-old additionally acquired no factors for successful the Wimbledon title because of the grasscourt Grand Slam being penalised for its determination to ban gamers from Russia and Belarus over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I think this is the least points I’ve had as number one. It happens,” Djokovic advised reporters following his win over Tomas Machac in Dubai on Tuesday.

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“It’s not solely resulting from my circumstances of not enjoying a few Grand Slams and every little thing that occurred final 12 months, but in addition different gamers, some gamers lacking some slams for accidents, some not having the most important consistency.

“I guess that makes the achievement bigger, at least in my team’s and my eyes. I’m overwhelmed with pride. I work as hard as anybody else. I’m really committed to the sport. And I try.”

Djokovic is now into his 378th week because the world primary, surpassing Steffi Graf’s file for essentially the most weeks on the prime of the game.

But he mentioned youthful gamers like Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas will ultimately meet up with him.

“These guys are playing at a high level constantly. They’re playing a lot of tournaments. I’m not playing as much and don’t plan to play as many weeks as they do,” Djokovic mentioned.

“Eventually they’ll take the number one, then I’ll bring it back again, then they’ll take it again. We’ll go in circles.”