Novak Djokovic's ominous warning: I can still get even better

Novak Djokovic towers above even Andy Murray and Roger Federer as Wimbledon begins but the man chasing a fifth successive grand slam title insists his best days could be still to come.

The world number one won a staggering 11 titles last year and already has six in 2016, including the Australian Open and a first French Open which sealed a sweep of the four majors he began by triumphing at Wimbledon 12 months ago.

His capture of the Coupe des Mousquetaires at Roland Garros positions Djokovic as emphatically the dominant player on the planet, streets ahead in the world rankings, and means he is a red-hot favourite heading into the fortnight in London.

The 29-year-old Serbian is not easily satisfied though.

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"I can certainly say that I've been working hard to get that consistency for myself throughout the years on the tour, on all different kinds of surfaces, trying to better my game as my career went on," he said at Wimbledon on Sunday.

"Obviously I'm at the peak of my career at the moment. It hopefully can still keep going.

"I see still lots of room for improvement, things that I can work on. That's something that encourages me. That's something that keeps me grounded in a way, gives me more reason to practise."

He describes his Paris triumph three weeks ago as " one of the most memorable and beautiful moments of my career", but the Djokovic memory bank has room for more major success.

Novak Djokovic is hoping for more reasons to celebrate at Wimbledon

Image credit: PA Sport

Britain's James Ward, also 29, presents Djokovic with his first-round Wimbledon test, when the pair open up play on Centre Court at 1pm on Monday.

World number 177 Ward will know the size of the task: while Ward's career earnings have just crept past the million-dollar mark, Djokovic has recently gone beyond 100 million US dollars.

And Djokovic is determined to impose himself against the home player from the first ball.

"Every time you face an opponent for the first time, it's always important to start off well and not allow your opponent to take his chances and opportunities," said Djokovic.

"It's going to be the first match on the untouched grass. That's probably one of the most special tennis matches that you get to experience as a professional tennis player.

"I'm looking forward to that. Obviously I know that he doesn't have much to lose. The Centre Court is one of the cradles of our sport, will be hopefully packed, and we can enjoy a great match."

Despite his sustained success, and his dozen grand slam titles, Djokovic is no stranger to pre-match nerves.

He spoke of the walk from the men's locker room to Centre Court, along a long corridor, serving as a reminder of " that sense of belonging to history, something that is much larger than yourself".

But like Federer before him, like Murray, like the greats of the game, Djokovic thrives on the sense of occasion.

"Pressure is part of what we do," said Djokovic. "It's inevitable to face this kind of sensation as a top player, being expected to do well and to go as far as the last four at least in the tournament, or the finals.

"But the more you get to face this kind of pressures and emotions, the more you get used to them. The better you are in coping with it and handling it.

"I'll try to use the experience that I've had in the previous years, previous tournaments, to get myself in a positive state of mind, and to have a positive approach to this tournament."

Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses the winners trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain in the men's singles final at the Wimbledon

Image credit: Reuters

He might find Wimbledon's prize-money increase for this year is not all that it is cracked up to be, after Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

While the champion in both the men's and women's singles will take home a cheque for £2million, a step up from last year's £1.88million, it remains to be seen how the pound holds its value over the coming fortnight.

Asked if he consequently would feel any bitterness towards the British people, an amused Djokovic reserved judgement on Brexit.

"I've been familiar with what's going on. I'm just curious to see what the future brings for Britain and for the European Union," he said.

"But I'm not competent more to talk about it. I'm not in a position to more profoundly discuss this matter.

"I don't feel any bitterness at all. I just feel grateful to be able to compete at such a high level and compete at one of the biggest tournaments in the world."

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