Don’t Overthink It! Novak Banishes Thoughts Of Slams Legacy

A player saying he’s taking it one match at a time is perhaps the most well-worn cliché in tennis. Novak Djokovic takes it one Grand Slam final at a time.

The Serbian will be lacing up in a Grand Slam final for the fourth time this year when he meets Daniil Medvedev or Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final on Sunday. Already the record holder of 23 men’s Grand Slam singles crowns, the 36-year-old will attempt to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 majors.

Djokovic fell victim to the weight of history on Arthur Ashe Stadium two years ago when, playing for the chance to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete a calendar year grand slam, the Belgrade native fell in straight sets to Medvedev.

That’s why on Sunday, in his 36th major final, he’ll be taking it one Grand Slam final at a time.

“Every time in a Grand Slam final it’s another shot for history; I’m aware of it, and of course I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic said. “But I don’t have much time nor do I allow myself to reflect on these things or think about the history too much, because when I did that in the past, like, ’21 finals here, I was maybe overwhelmed with the occasion and the opportunity and I underperformed.

“So I don’t want this to happen again, and I’ll try to, you know, just focus on what needs to be done and tactically prepare myself for that match.”

For the third time in his career, Djokovic has reached all four major finals in the same season. In beating Ben Shelton in straight sets Friday night, Djokovic notched his 22nd victory from his past 23 major semi-finals.

“I’m obviously over the moon with the results so far on Grand Slams,” Djokovic said. “Playing in all four finals of all four slams in a season is amazing. It’s the highest achievement I can think about when I start the season.

“There is another match left, so of course the conversation will be probably even better if I win a title in two days. But definitely whatever happens, I’m extremely proud and content with what I have achieved this year in Grand Slams.”