"There is no such thing as a secret" - Novak Djokovic reveals what it takes to be a champion after cruising into Wimbledon 2024 final

Novak Djokovic cruised into the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships with an emphatic 6-4, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Friday, July 12.

Djokovic, who made it to the title round of a Grand Slam for the 37th time, will take on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of last year's final, hoping to equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles.

When asked to spill the secret of what it took to remain at the top of the sport for such a long period, the Serb asserted that there was none before going on to explain how he believed in smart work.

"It's hard to pick. Everyone wants to have that secret potion or the formula of success, what is that one thing that you would say that defines a champion that basically allows you to not only be the best in what you do but also stay there for as long as you possibly can," said the 37-year-old as be began the explanation during his on-court interview.

"There is no such thing as a secret. The secret is you know, we heard so many athletes throughout history talk about hard work. I am more of a fan of smart work," he revealed.

Comparing his journey with some "incredible champions" of the last 50 years, the second seed stressed that when things don't go someone's way at the beginning of their career, it strengthens their will and defines their character.

"In my case what worked, and I have seen some of the incredible champions of the last 50 years in different sports that have lots of similarities with my journey, which is adversity and things that don't come easy your way, especially at the beginning,.that is something that really defines your character and strengthens your will," Djokovic explained.

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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz to face off for sixth time in Wimbledon final

Alcaraz and Djokovic will face off in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships (Image Source: Getty)

An engrossing sixth meeting between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is certain to capture the attention of the tennis world on Sunday.

At 19 years of age, Carlos Alcaraz stunned tennis fans by getting the better of Novak Djokovic 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the semifinal of the 2022 Madrid Masters en route to winning the title.

Djokovic tilted the scales in the semifinals of the French Open the following year even as Carlos Alcaraz, who was down with cramps, went down 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

Alcaraz fought back valiantly to defeat Novak Djokovic in a gruelling five-setter 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, in the finals of Wimbledon 2023.

Djokovic did, however, register back-to-back wins against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Cincinnati Masters and the ATP Finals last year.