Djokovic on the world number 1 spot: "You feel like a hunted animal"

Novak Djokovic gave an interview for the ATP's press service. Asked about what it feels like to be world number one, the Serbian replied: "It's great, but there is loneliness and you feel like a hunted animal, which changes the perception and the approach.

It is obviously the ultimate achievement. Being number one in any sport, in any profession, is the ultimate achievement. It's something I dreamed of as a child: winning Wimbledon and being world number one.

When you achieve it, you realize there is another dimension and another approach to staying at that level. Suddenly, you have to defend your position rather than chase it. It's obviously a fantastic feeling.

But at the same time, you want to stay at that level, so you sometimes feel a bit defensive, because you want to keep it. It all really comes down to mentality, to how you approach things.

I think it's important to always have the feeling that you have to create, to continue and to keep winning, and that you are part of that same group of people who are chasing something: a title or a position.

Because once you tell yourself: 'Oh, I'm No. 1, everyone wants to take this spot from me,' you are putting unnecessary stress and pressure on yourself."