‘Trying to be the best version of myself’

Novak Djokovic says staying in the moment and managing challenging situations are his secret weapons in coping with the emotions and pressure of trying to make tennis history.

The world number one advanced to the second round of the US Open on Tuesday by ousting Danish teen qualifier Holger Rune 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-1.

Djokovic is trying to win the US Open to complete the first men's singles calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969 and reach a men's career record 21 major titles.

"You have tons of expectations and pressure from just the whole tennis community, including myself," Djokovic said. "Obviously I would like myself to win the title and make the history. Without a doubt that's something that inspires me."

Handling the mental toughness means not getting ahead of himself during a two-week fight to reach the final, for only there can history be made.

"I am focused on trying to be the best version of myself every day," Djokovic said. "There's a great power in being present and working on mentally and emotionally being in the moment and trying to handle it in such way that would benefit you.