(Aired 02/05/2023) Channel NYCTV-life (WNYE) - (RTVNY). After his resounding victory at this year’s Australian Open final, Novak Djokovic is reinstated as the leader in men’s tennis. Novak’s triumph goes beyond the world of tennis and is matched only by his character. It was his choice to stay truthful to his own principles and beliefs and by doing so he has been open to numerous attacks and abuses these past years. His clear cut response to the recent pressure added unwillingly to the debate on the ideas of body autonomy and free will. Novak Djokovic’s achievements in tennis confirm him as the greatest tennis player in history and one of the biggest names in any sport, despite the drawbacks he has faced lately and the interdictions to participate in two Grand Slams and four Masters in 2022. In 2023, Novak Djokovic claimed his record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tying Nadal for the Open Era record of 22 men's singles major titles and reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking. He ties his 6th ATP Finals title won in 2022 with Roger Federer. He dominates the other rankings: he has held the number one ranking seven times for a record 375 weeks. Novak has also won the most Masters, 38 in total. In 2013 at Waldorf Astoria NY, the ATP celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Emirates ATP rankings, first launched in 1973. The event brought together 19 of the 25 current and former number one tennis players. ATP celebrated this 2013 milestone event with a unique book honoring these great champions. RTVNY participated in this event in NY and had the unique opportunity to interview Novak Djokovic, number one at that time as well, who in his characteristic style laid out his tennis tenets for young players and spoke highly of Ilie Nastase, in attendance as well, the 1st tennis player since the ATP rankings to hold the top position. We are happy to share this fragment from our archive now when Novak Djokovic has simply become larger than life, not only through his unmatched tennis achievements but also through his consistent views expressed with dignity and serenity, rare qualities in these turbulent times.
Cristi Boghian - Editor & Producer
Doina Boghian - Contributor
Photo and video: Cristi Boghian, Doina Boghian
Romanian TV of NY (RTVNY)