If you’re Novak Djokovic you might be hoping that 2015 never ends.
After winning three of this year’s grand slams and securing his 57th career singles title in Shanghai on Sunday, Djokovic became the first player in professional tennis to surpass $16 million in prize money in a season, according to the ATP World Tour.
The 28-year-old Serb, who has 10 grand slams under his belt, took just 78 minutes to defeat Jo-Wilfred Tsonga 6-2 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters final.
Rafael Nadal held the previous prize money record in a season — $14.5m in 2013 — but playing the most dominant tennis of his career, Djokovic has easily surpassed that figure.
He’s also unbeaten in his last 17 matches and has won 22 sets in a row.
“Everything came together for me this season that has been definitely the best of my life, the best of my career; (I’m) just trying to cherish every moment spent on the court,” Djokovic told CNN’s Don Riddell.
Asked why he was on such a hot streak, Djokovic spoke of his work ethic as well as his passion for tennis.
“There’s not one thing I can point out and say, well that’s the secret of success,” said the Serb. “Obviously it’s many years of hard work, dedication professionalism, passion and love for the sport, and just understanding of yourself as a person and a player and how to improve, how to get yourself to the peak of your abilities.”
Known for his intense training regime and gluten-free diet, Djokovic is also confident he can equal arch-rival Roger Federer’s 17 grand slams.
“I think I have a good chance, but again, it’s a long way ahead,” said Djokovic. “But knowing that I’m 28 and I still don’t feel like the end is anytime soon, that definitely excites me and motivates me to keep on going.”
The two have a head-to-head record of 21 wins each, with Djokovic defeating Federer in four sets at this year’s Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals.
“I’m trying to focus on my health and well-being as a player and as a person, (to) keep the right balance in my private life that greatly affects the professional life as well. And I know the balance will come,” he added.
Djokovic’s prize money for 2015 now stands at $16,041,009 with seven ATP tournaments to go, including next month’s Paris Masters and World Tour finals in London.
The Serb’s career earnings still trail Roger Federer’s total of $94.7 million by over $6 million, but he’s closing in on the Swiss star fast, thanks in part to Djokovic’s close-knit support system which includes former champion Boris Becker.
“He’s somebody that understands the kind of challenges and obstacles that I have to overcome mentally, mostly, as a top player fighting for the biggest trophies in our sport,” explained Djokovic, reflecting on his relationship with his German coach.
“That’s where he has contributed the most in my success … he’s been there and done that. Having Boris in my corner makes a difference not just to me, but also to my opponents as well. And we’re a great team.”
