Serbian star Novak Djokovic set to embark on 424th week as world number 1 tennis player

The records continue to tumble for star player Novak Djokovic, and he enters his career's 424th week as world number one at the Italian Open 2024, taking place in Rome. Notably, the 36-year-old has now set his eyes on extending his place in the record books. However, world number two Jannik Sinner has won three times against Novak Djokovic in their last four matches, including his magnificent win in the Australia Open semi-finals in January 2023.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner has also won the Rotterdam and Miami Open titles this year, placing him in the top spot. Sinner has a great chance to oust Novak in the Italian Open 2024, in Rome. However, he is set to miss the marquee event owing to the injuries he sustained during the recently concluded Mutua Madrid Open 2024. His injury has ended his dream, as of now, of taking the top spot in the ATP rankings.

Meanwhile, star player Carlos Alcaraz's hope of securing the top spot also comes to an end as he is also missing the marquee event in Rome. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic has opened up about his excitement about entering as world number one in the Italian Open 2024 and his wish to end at the same spot after the tournament amid Jannick Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's injuries.

My greatest motivation is still love for the game: Novak Djokovic

“I don’t feel like I’m chasing anything now. I feel like I’m creating. That’s kind of a mindset I have. Of course, my greatest motivation is still my love for the game. I really like competing. So as simple as that. Then, you know, I always have goals, you know, and to win another slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1. Those are let’s say the big goals. I don’t feel like I’m chasing anything now. I feel like I’m creating. That’s kind of a mindset I have," said Djokovic.

"Of course, my greatest motivation is still love for the game. I really like competing. So as simple as that. Then, you know, I always have goals, you know, and to win another slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1. Those are let’s say the big goals," he added further.