"I believe I have the luxury of being able to choose where I want to play," Djokovic reflects on his absences in Toronto and Cincinnati

For the first time since Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic is set to compete in a tournament. The 38-year-old Serb has major goals for the end of his career, namely finally winning the 25th Grand Slam title that has eluded him since his triumph at Flushing Meadows two years ago.

A semifinalist in the first three Majors of the season, Djokovic hopes this time to go all the way and win his fifth US Open. Meanwhile, the former world number one held a press conference and discussed his decision to withdraw from the Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati in recent weeks.

"I decided not to play these tournaments because I wanted to spend more time with my family, and honestly, I believe I’ve earned the right and have the luxury of being able to choose where I want to play.

To be honest, I no longer enjoy the two-week Masters 1000 events; they’ve become too long for me. That’s why I mainly want to focus on the Grand Slams.

I would like to play more tournaments, but if you think about it, we currently have, unofficially and informally, twelve Grand Slams a year. Grand Slams are played over two weeks, and the other Masters 1000 events last nearly two weeks as well.

I no longer care about my ranking or accumulating points. I don’t want to think about all that anymore.
What matters most to me is finding motivation and joy. Where do I feel inspired to play my best tennis? Where do I enjoy going?

I want more balance between tennis and other life priorities. My family is, of course, the most important thing, and I want to be present with them on important dates.

Speaking of dates I might miss, it could be the case with my daughter’s birthday, which is on September 2nd. If all goes well, I’ll still be here in New York on that date," Djokovic assured Punto de Break.