“A high mountain to climb”- how Djokovic sees himself when it comes to best of five sets

Novak Djokovic loves the most gruelling format of tennis there is – and no wonder

Novak Djokovic after winning the 2023 Roland-Garros (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

June 11, 2023

Novak Djokovic might be playing a slightly reduced schedule these days at the age of 36 – but after winning his 23rd Grand Slam title he admitted that he loves playing best-of-five because he knows he is almost impossible to beat in that format.

After admitting that he had less than ideal clay-court preparation going into Roland-Garros, Djokovic told British Eurosport: “I love competing in best of five, and most of the players know that it’s going to be a really high mountain to climb to beat me in best of five – and I like that feeling!”

He also explained: “I said before the season started that I wanted to peak in Slams, I wanted to play my best tennis there.

“Those are the tournaments that matter the most at this stage of my career. I can’t be more proud or more thankful that again I managed to win Roland-Garros, that came as a historic 23. Roland-Garros has always been the toughest tournament for me to win out of all four Slams. I failed several times at the last step, mostly against Rafa, against Stan, in the finals. 2016 was one of the greatest moments I’ve experienced on the court, winning here, 2021, then this year again. I don’t know what to expect when I play on clay!”

And in a humorous aside, presenter Barbara Schett asked him whether she should officially call him “the GOAT”, to which he replied: “You can call me Novak, I like my name!”