“I’m not surprised” – Djokovic on reaching all four Grand Slam finals this year at the age of 36

Novak Djokovic – about to reclaim the world No 1 spot and play his fourth Grand Slam final this year – might astonish observers, but he’s not surprising himself.

After beating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) in straight sets to reach the US Open final, the Serbian told journalists: “It probably sounds cocky or arrogant, but I’m not really surprised, because I know how much work and dedication and energy I put into trying to be in this position, so I know that I deserve this. I always believe in myself, in my own capabilities, you know, in my skills, in my quality as a tennis player to be able to deliver when it matters.

“So I’m not really surprised, to be honest with you. Because I feel good. Physically I have been as fit or as prepared, as strong as, I don’t want to say as ever, but, I mean, as good as I have been in the years and years.”

Djokovic: I don’t want to consider leaving tennis

And he added that he was not planning on retiring any time soon – particularly while he was still so competitive.

“So age is just a number, that phrase is resonating at the moment with me. And, you know, I don’t want to even consider, you know, leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I’m still at the top of the game.

“You know, I just don’t see a reason for that. I will probably consider doing that if I get my ass kicked by young guys in the Grand Slams in the years to come in the earlier stages, and then I’ll probably say, okay, maybe it’s time to move on.

“But so far, you know, I still feel that I’m in the game.”

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