Novak Djokovic says whether he's still enjoying playing tennis after making it to the fourth round at the US Open

Novak Djokovic has continued his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title after beating Cameron Norrie to reach the fourth round of the US Open.

Djokovic had never lost to Norrie in their six previous meetings, and continued his unbeaten record against the Brit after a four-set victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

As a result, Djokovic has reached the fourth round of the US Open for the 16th time in his decorated career.

There has been a lot of talk about when Djokovic could retire from tennis, and he has now given an insight as to where his head is currently at.

Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

Novak Djokovic reveals if he is still enjoying playing tennis

Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-4 6(4)-7 6-2 6-3, despite leaving the court for a medical timeout on his back during the first set.

There have been concerns over whether Djokovic is actually still enjoying playing tennis, after he has not always appeared happy on court at the US Open this year.

However, the 38-year-old has confirmed that he is still finding joy from playing the sport, particularly highlighting the support he now receives from fans.

Djokovic did admit that his motivations have changed at this stage of his career, but he is trying to focus on the current task at hand.

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“I think I was quite open in that press conference after the semis [at Wimbledon], gave a little bit of insight into what’s happening in my head,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.

“I am asking myself questions of course, more nowadays than I have then or before in terms of how long do I want to keep going at this level and how do I want to approach my schedule to extend my career because I really want to play.

“I still feel like I enjoy myself competing, I can be very hard on myself and my team, I know that. But I still feel like I have game left in me to play at the highest level.

“As I said before several times, as long as I have that feeling of that level is still alive and still present I want to keep going and pushing myself to see whether I can have a shot at another slam or any big tournaments.

“And also enjoy the support and love that I am getting. The last couple of years has been amazing, anywhere I go, I really feel enjoy that feeling.

“There are other reasons and motivations that I have to still keep on playing but there is internal discussion happening as well to me. But I try to focus my thoughts and my attention to this very present moment and what needs to be done, so I am still competing and I might get a little bit more philosophical again when I finish the tournament but I try and focus on the next match here.”

There should be little concern about Novak Djokovic ahead of his next US Open match

Despite the questions currently surrounding Djokovic, there should probably not be too much concern ahead of his upcoming match.

Djokovic’s next opponent is German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, the former world number 21 who has already beaten American hopeful Frances Tiafoe and Holger Rune at this year’s US Open.

Their upcoming fourth round match at the US Open will be their eighth ever meeting, and Djokovic has never previously lost to Struff.

Djokovic has also won 17 of 18 sets he has previously played against Struff, and this is also not their first meeting at the US Open.

The only other time they have played at the US Open was in 2020, when Djokovic beat Struff in straight sets.

Struff will be looking to end his winless record against Djokovic when they play their fourth round match at the US Open on Sunday, August 31.

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