Novak Djokovic: 'It’s where I really started to really believe that...'

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

During his post-match press conference, Novak Djokovic was asked how he wishes people would perceive him outside of his achievements in tennis. And the Serb, who has rarely enjoyed as much love and adulation as Federer or Nadal, praised the journalist for the question.

"That's a good question, but I don't think we have enough time," Djokovic said. "I like to get philosophical about these kinds of answers (smiling)." The 34-year-old later revealed that he wishes to be perceived as someone who lived up to all the positive values ​​in life and was the best at what he did.

"Also someone who really tries to live up to the true values ​​of life: respect and be grateful, appreciate the moment, appreciate the fact that I am playing the sport that I really love and in which I am very successful," he added.

Djokovic. "Probably not many people around the world could say that they are perhaps the best in the world at what they love to do."

Novak Djokovic on winning the Calendar Slam

Novak Djokovic is under immense pressure at the ongoing US Open, given all the history that is at stake.

Djokovic is one Slam away from becoming the first man since Rod Laver to complete the Calendar Slam - a feat he reckons would be the biggest of his career. Winning the US Open would also give the 34-year-old his 21st Major, thus making him the sole record holder for most Slams won ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

During his conversation on ESPN, Djokovic revealed that it was at that point that he realized he had the potential to win the Calendar Slam. "That’s where I first felt, OK this is reachable, it's achievable. I can even do it in one year," Novak Djokovic said.

"I always believed that I have a very good chance to win every Slam on every surface because I developed over the years my game to be really an all-around game that can adapt to any game or any conditions. But in that moment, where I won French in 2016, it’s where I really started to really believe that it can become a reality one day that I can win it all in one year," he added.

On the business end of things, Novak Djokovic is currently a man on a mission. Chasing a historic Calendar Grand Slam, he moves one step closer to the ultimate prize. Over the weekend, Novak beat Kei Nishikori in a thrilling contest, edging closer to a remarkable 21st major slam title.