Novak Djokovic says drive is still there ahead of US Open

Novak Djokovic declared ahead of the US Open that he still feels high levels of motivation heading into the year’s final Grand Slam.

Speaking to media on Saturday in New York, the 24-time Grand Slam champion touched on the question that has been lingering ever since he won gold at the Olympics in Paris last month.

“People would ask me, you know, now that you have basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win?” Djokovic said.

“I still feel the drive.”

Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July, finally realising what has been 16 years in the making for the Serbian.

There were doubts about how the 37-year-old would respond, given that winning Olympic gold was such a long-lasting goal of his.

“You know, I still have the competitive spirit,” Djokovic continued.

“I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the Tour.

“I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis, play tennis.

“I’m going to play my first match here Monday night, so I can’t wait to be under the lights.

“The noise, the energy of the stadium is just different from anything else.

“You know, I look forward to it.”

Djokovic will begin his US Open campaign against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot on Monday in New York.

He is a near unbackable favourite to defeat Albot at all tennis bookmakers, with online bookmakers putting him at just -10000 to prevail in his opening match.

Albot is at odds of +2500 to cause an upset.

Djokovic also leads betting for the tournament overall, returning +175 to win the US Open, with Alcaraz close by on +200 and world No.1 Jannik Sinner trailing at +300.

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