The Serb is under immense pressure at the ongoing US Open, given all the history that is at stake. Djokovic is one Slam away from becoming the first man since Rod Laver to complete the Calendar Slam - a feat he reckons would be the biggest of his career. Winning the US Open would also give the 34-year-old his 21st Major, thus making him the sole record holder for most Slams won ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
But Novak Djokovic believes pressure is part and parcel of the sport, and even more so for top players like him. During his interview the Serb mentioned Billie Jean King’s quote where she said pressure is a privilege, before asserting that he lives by that saying.
Novak Djokovic was then reminded that Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams came close to winning the Calendar Slam but failed in their pursuit. In response, the 34-year-old claimed he was honored to be discussed in the same breath as some of the all-time greats.
Djokovic, who has won eight of the last 12 Slams on offer, also pointed out that his past accomplishments fill him with confidence ahead of most matchups.
But the Serb admitted that the results might not always go his way if his opponents play out of their skin or if he begins to doubt himself.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s dominance on tour have made me the player I am today: Novak Djokovic
While winning the Calendar Slam would be a new feat for Novak Djokovic, it is pertinent to note that he has already held all four Majors at the same time. He won four Slams in a row during 2015-16, a run that culminated with his maiden Roland Garros triumph.
During his conversation on ESPN, Djokovic revealed that it was at that point that he realized he had the potential to win the Calendar Slam.
Djokovic also pointed out that his biggest rivals, Federer and Nadal, have come close to winning the Calendar Slam. He stressed that without their dominance, he would never have become the player he is today.
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