'There is always something to prove': Novak Djokovic explains what keeps him going

Novak Djokovic battled through a slow start at the US Open, recovering from a set down to defeat American youngster Zachary Svajda 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the second round. It wasn’t the kind of polished, ruthless performance that fans have grown used to from the world No. 7, but it was a reminder of why Djokovic continues to dominate the sport: his ability to adapt, to dig deep, and to find ways to win even when his game is far from perfect.

The Serbian admitted after the match that he wasn’t satisfied with his level, describing it as “a struggle to find rhythm.” Yet what stood out was the honesty and openness with which Djokovic spoke about his constant pursuit of improvement.

Djokovic has often been his own harshest critic. He confessed that he expects himself to play at the very highest level in every match, something that he admits isn’t always possible. That perfectionist streak can make his on-court demeanour appear tense, even joyless, as he wrestles internally with frustrations when things aren’t flowing. But beneath that visible tension lies the same fierce drive that has carried him to the top for nearly two decades, a drive that remains firmly intact as he continues to face and conquer the next generation.

"There is always something to prove once you step out on the court, which is that you are still able to win a tennis match. I think it just is a question of perspective, obviously. In the larger perspective of understanding of what I've been through and what I've achieved in the many years that I've played on the tour,

The relief of a Career Grand Slam

One of the most striking parts of the press conference came when Djokovic reflected on his career Grand Slam. He admitted that as a child, he never dreamed of winning all four majors—his boyhood ambition began and ended with lifting the Wimbledon trophy. Only once he had established himself on tour did he begin to see the “career Slam” as attainable. After clinching three majors in 2011 and narrowly missing out at Roland Garros, he began to truly believe.

When he finally completed the set at the 2016 French Open, the prevailing emotion wasn’t euphoria but relief. Djokovic described the immense self-imposed pressure he had carried for years, combined with the constant external expectations. “Is this the year?” he recalled hearing repeatedly, until finally it was. That win, he explained, allowed him to move forward with new objectives, freed from the weight of unfinished business.

The ultimate challenge in tennis

Asked what he sees as the ultimate challenge in the sport, Djokovic pointed to two feats: completing the career or Golden Slam and holding the No. 1 ranking for many years. Both, he argued, demand more than talent; they require relentless focus, discipline, and a 24/7 commitment to recovery, preparation, and mental training. “At the end of the day,” he said, “you have to do the job yourself on the court.”

That perspective explains why, despite everything he has accomplished, Djokovic still plays with a chip on his shoulder. He thrives on pressure and admits he still gets fired up competing against the “young guys.” He may no longer sprint through tournaments with the same ease as in his twenties, but he continues to raise the bar of consistency in a sport where longevity at the top is perhaps the hardest prize of all.

Frustration and joy: Two sides of the same coin

Djokovic was also pressed on his body language during matches, with some observers noting that he hasn’t looked particularly joyful on court in recent rounds. He brushed aside suggestions of fading motivation, clarifying that what fans are seeing is simple frustration with his own level. “I enjoy competing, but I don’t enjoy not playing well,” he explained. That distinction highlights his relentless pursuit of perfection: joy comes not from the act of playing alone, but from executing at the level he demands of himself.

And with a mischievous smile, Djokovic promised he would show more outward emotion soon. “I’ll make sure I fist bump just for you—for your eyes only—next match,” he told a journalist, showing that even in moments of tension, his humour and showmanship remain intact. Whether winning ugly or cruising in style, Djokovic’s hunger for the battle is as strong as ever.