Novak Djokovic ‘smug’ as Ben Shelton responds to Serb trolling

Novak Djokovic admitted he was ‘arrogant’ after beating Ben Shelton. 

Djokovic will climb to the World No 1 spot in Sunday’s closing towards Daniil Medvedev, who surprised Carlos Alcaraz in a single day. 

Asked if he was ‘surprised’ to nonetheless be competing on the highest degree at 36, the Serb  responded: “I mean, I don’t know. It probably sounds cocky or arrogant, but I’m not really surprised, because I know how much work and dedication and energy I put into trying to be in this position, so I know that I deserve this. 

“I always believe in myself, in my own capabilities, you know, in my skills, in my quality as a tennis player to be able to deliver when it matters.

“So I’m not really surprised, to be honest with you. Because I feel good. Physically I have been as fit or as prepared, as strong as, I don’t want to say as ever, but, I mean, as good as I have been in the years and years.

“So age is just a number, that phrase is resonating at the moment with me. And, you know, I don’t want to even consider, you know, leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I’m still at the top of the game.”