Novak Djokovic earns 350th major winI never want to stop growing, learning, trying to improve

By India Today Sports DeskNovak Djokovic continues to add to his list of accomplishments as he secured his 350th Grand Slam victory with a win over Jordan Thompson at Wimbledon. The defending champion faced a tough challenge from Thompson but maintained control during crucial moments, emerging victorious with a 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-5 scoreline to advance to the third round.

Djokovic now joins the elite company of Roger Federer and Serena Williams as the only players to have reached 350 wins at Grand Slam tournaments. However, the 36-year-old Serbian star has his sights set on even greater goals. Displaying his trademark precision and accuracy, Djokovic managed to tame Thompson, who opted for a rare serve and volley approach at Wimbledon.

Although Thompson had an opportunity to level the match in the second set, Djokovic’s strong performance in the tiebreak, including a couple of timely aces, left little doubt about the eventual outcome. Despite the Centre Court crowd supporting Thompson and yearning for a competitive match, the Australian player refused to give up. However, when serving at 5-6 in the third set, Thompson succumbed to Djokovic’s pressure, netting a volley to conclude the contest.

“You’re only as young or as old as you feel. I feel young in my own body, in my own head, in my heart,” Djokovic said in the post-match press conference. “My children remind me of that, the time that I spend with them. The innocence, incredible curiosity, pure love and energy that I get to experience with them is something that really strengthens that inner child in you.

“Also the fact that I’m still playing the sport that I fell in love with when I was very young. I think that is something that is very refreshing. I have to say that I’m really fortunate and blessed to have a healthy body. Still at this stage, after 20 years of professional tennis, I’m able to compete at the highest level.”

Djokovic’s winning streak on grass now stands at an impressive 30 matches, with his last loss on the surface dating back to the 2018 Queen’s Club final against Marin Cilic. Reflecting on the match, Djokovic admitted that he was pushed hard by his opponent. In the next round, Djokovic awaits either Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka, whom he famously lost to in the French Open final eight years ago, or Argentina’s 29th seed Tomas Etcheverry.

“I never want to stop growing, learning, trying to improve, trying to understand the nuances, the details,” Djokovic said. “Whether it’s with my game, with my body, with my nutrition, recovery, whatever it is that can take me a small step further.

“I feel very hungry for knowledge, for experiences. Life is a great journey that can offer a lot if one is open to experience. I can only speak on my own behalf. I’ve been through a lot of things in life for these 36 years. Very, very grateful for all that I have experienced.”