Djokovic Isn't Done With His Season

Novak Djokovic’s US Open came to a disappointing end as the top seed and defending champion was forced to retire during his fourth-round match against Stan Wawrinka. Although his left shoulder injury forced him out of New York, the World No. 1 is already looking towards his next scheduled ATP Tour event.

The Serbian plans to be back in four weeks for the Japan Open in Tokyo before defending his title at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Djokovic is looking to tie Pete Sampras’ record of six year-end No. 1 finishes, but will need to return to action in order to have a chance at his goal. Rafael Nadal currently leads Djokovic by 140 points in the ATP Race to London and will widen the gap with each further win in New York. Roger Federer would trail Djokovic by a mere 75 points if he wins the title this fortnight.

“This season is not yet over. There are plenty of big tournaments ahead,” Djokovic said. “[ATP] Rankings-wise, plenty of [ATP Rankings] points to defend for me and try to withhold that No. 1 ranking. Obviously Rafa has been playing well and Roger and the other guys. I just hope I'll get a chance to be competing because once I'm healthy I actually like my chances playing in Asia. And also the indoor season. I historically play pretty well in those last couple months of the year.”

But one thing he will have to wait for is a chance to add to his Grand Slam tally. Djokovic has 16 Grand Slam singles trophies, with only Nadal (18) and Federer (20) ahead in the all-time leaders list, but he closed the gap significantly with his Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns this year.

Read More: Is Djokovic Chasing Federer's Slam Record? You Betcha!

“It's no secret that I have [a] desire and a goal to reach the most Grand Slams and reach Roger's record,” Djokovic said. “But at the same time, it's a long road ahead hopefully for me. I hope I can play for many more years. I'm planning to. I don't see an end behind the corner at all.”

Djokovic admitted he’ll first need some time to brush off the disappointment of being unable to defend his US Open crown. He hasn’t retired from a tour-level match since his 2017 Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas Berdych. Although injuries at inopportune moments are part of sports, it doesn’t make them any more palatable for the World No. 1.

“It is frustrating. Very frustrating,” Djokovic said. [I’m] not the first, not the last player to get injured and to withdraw from one of the biggest events in sport. But obviously I just came off the court, so of course it hurts.”

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2lE4IIa