Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1 battled neck issues and difficult oppositions in the way of his third title of the year in New York on Saturday. He kicked off his US Open campaign against Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court on Monday.
The 33-year-old is on a 23 match winning streak and wishes to go unbeaten through the season. Djokovic has won 17 Grand Slams, just two behind Rafael Nadal and three behind Roger Federer. “The last three-four days have been challenging, mentally and emotionally, for me to stay sane,” Djokovic said.
Talking about the player association, he said that it’s not a new idea and has been in projects for over the last 20 years. He also added that tennis is probably one of the few sports that doesn’t have a player only organisation. This act has definitely got him support from various players including India’s Sumit Nadal and doubles star Rohan Bopanna but rivals from the ATP and the likes of Nadal and Federer.
Along with Djokovic, Serena Williams is also chasing history. The 38-year-old is a winner of 23 major titles and is aiming to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. She will start her tour against compatriot Kristie Ahn. Speaking about the all player association she said, “I don’t know, it’s a chaotic year. People are trying new things”.
“I have heard and read in the letter from the ATP, that they think that ATP cannot co-exist with the association. I have to respectfully disagree,” he said.”Legally, we are 100 per cent safe. This is not a union. This is a player association. We are not calling for boycotts. We are not forming parallel tours. I would love to have Roger and Rafa and all the players on board. I understand that some of them have different opinions, they don’t think the time is right”.