“They want to win but it ain’t happening” – Novak Djokovic explains why he is thriving under pressure at Wimbledon

How does Novak Djokovic feel about the fact that he is the man with the target on his back wherever he goes, everyone gunning for him, hoping to take a shot at the crown?

“I love it, it’s true,” he says.

You might also like this

“I’m much stronger” – At Wimbledon, Jannik Sinner preps for the toughest challenge in tennis against Djokovic

tennis majors

Djokovic marches closer to history, defeating Rublev to reach 12th Wimbledon semi-final

tennis majors

“A lot of sacrifices for this moment” – Jannik Sinner defeats Safiullin, reaches his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon

tennis majors

The 23-time major champion, who defeated Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to reach tie Roger Federer on the all-time men’s singles Grand Slam semi-final list with 46, has been under constant pressure ever since he rose to the top of the sport more than ten years ago.

These days, at the age of 36, Djokovic has made peace with his status. Bring on the pressure, he says.

“I think any tennis player wants to be in a position where everyone wants to win against you on the court,” he said. “It is a privilege, as Billie Jean [King] said. Pressure is part of what we do, it is part of our sport. It’s never going to go away, regardless of how many Grand Slams you win or how many matches you won or how many years that you’re playing professionally on the tour.”

Rather then wilt as the pressure mounts, Djokovic told the crowd that he has learned to channel the pressure in the way that allows him to bring out his best tennis.

"It ain't happening" 😤@DjokerNole is relishing the pressure#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/e4ky8L9FS5

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023

“The pressure is paramount, every single time I come out on the court, particularly here on Centre Court at Wimbledon,” he said. “But at the same time it awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I’ve ever dreamed of, and it inspires me to play my best tennis.”

As for his rivals? Let them bring on their best shot, Djokovic says.

“I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win but it ain’t happening, still.”

Djokovic – I know I’m the favourite

The 36-year-old backed up those confident words in his post-match press conference. When asked he felt that he was the favourite among the four semi-finalists at Wimbledon, he did not hesitate.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favourite,” he said. “Judging with the results I had in my career here, previous four occasions of Wimbledon that I won, and reaching other semifinal, so I do consider myself favorite, yes.”