Djoko still feeling the urge – on his terms

Novak Djokovic is playing tennis on his own terms in 2006, with the 37-year-old happy to pick and choose his events as a record-breaking career winds down.

Djokovic will be back on court at the Indian Wells Masters, his first event since losing the Australian Open final in January to Carlos Alcaraz after defeating Jannik Sinner in the semis.

The five-time champion won three trophies on the trot from 2014-2016 sounded happy to be back in a comfortable and familiar setting in the Californian desert.

“My logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and also motivation to do that,” he said.

“Schedule is unclear; it revolves mostly around Slams. I pick and choose where I want to play. It’s not just from a tennis standpoint but also emotionally, whatever it is that inspires me to come.”

The Serb with 24 Grand Slam titles added: “Indian Wells has been always a location that I was really happy to come back to in a tournament that I really love playing.

“I haven’t had great results and performances in the last 10 years, but in the first 10 years of my career, this was one of my best tournaments.

“I really enjoy the thrill of competition. I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and really being competitive.”

The ATP No. 3 said he sees no signs yet of slowing. “No. 3 is not so bad in terms of ranking and results and performances.

“I’m still competitive. I still have that edge, and I’ll keep on going as long as I feel like it.”