Novak Djokovic is always on the lookout for any signs of vulnerability on the other side of the net.
For the tennis prodigy, eye contact plays a crucial role in the game. He carefully observes his opponents as they switch sides, as they take a seat on their benches – even as they hydrate. Djokovic pays attention to every detail, analyzing how they drink, sweat, and breathe, all in an effort to identify weaknesses that he can exploit in their game.
It's evident that this level of focus has contributed to the 36-year-old's dominance, as he has amassed an impressive 24 major singles titles, surpassing his long-time rival Rafael Nadal by two and Roger Federer by four.
The Path to Domination
During the 2023 U.S. Open men's singles final, Djokovic secured victory against the much younger Daniil Medvedev, making him the oldest man to win the tournament in the Open era. Djokovic finds motivation in the hunger and ambition of these young players.
"I believe they awaken a fierce determination within me," he stated.
Djokovic acknowledges that he may not possess the same speed he once had, but he compensates with increased wisdom and precision. On the court, he sets his sights on targets as small as a coin.
Novak Djokovic's training is not only focused on accuracy but also on mental strength. According to him, it is not a gift but something that comes with work.
Conscious breathing plays a significant role for Djokovic when he is under pressure on the court.
While many athletes try to stay positive and believe that there is no room for doubts and fears, Djokovic embraces whatever he is feeling and quickly moves on.
- Covering Novak Djokovic's rise to the top of men's tennis
"The difference, I guess, between the guys who are able to be the biggest champions, and the ones that are struggling to get to the highest level is the ability to not stay in those emotions for too long," Djokovic said. "So for me, it's really relatively short. So as soon as I experience it, I acknowledge it. I maybe, you know, burst. I scream on the court, whatever happens. But then I'm able to bounce back and reset."
A polarizing player
Sometimes Djokovic's bursts of emotion end with him breaking a racket.
"I'm not proud about that. And I'm ashamed of myself when I do that, no doubt," he said. "But at the same time, you know, I accept myself as a flawed human being."
Novak Djokovic, despite surpassing his rivals on the scoreboard and in the record books, acknowledges that he is not always the most popular figure.
"The amount of pressure and stress is significantly higher when you have the crowd against you," Djokovic stated.
Throughout his career, Djokovic has consistently dealt with this situation, and some even believe that it enhances his performance.
"However, I actually enjoy being in an environment where I have strong support," he added.
While Djokovic is no stranger to unfavorable fans, he became the center of a major controversy and a global news story in early 2022 when he stated, "I was essentially declared as the villain of the world."
During the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic, who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19, received an exemption to participate while the country was emerging from a lengthy lockdown. However, he was subsequently deported due to public outcry.
"I had the majority of the world against me," Djokovic remarked. "I had experienced similar situations on the tennis court with crowds that were not necessarily cheering me on, but I had never encountered this particular experience in my life before."
Novak Djokovic: Pro Freedom to Choose
Novak Djokovic, the renowned tennis player, has clarified that he is not anti-vaccine but rather "pro freedom to choose" when it comes to deciding whether to take the vaccine or not.
Djokovic's stance on the vaccine has been a topic of discussion, especially after his recent win at the Australian Open where he tied Rafael Nadal's men's singles title record.
Surpassing Nadal's Record
Despite struggling to break through against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the beginning of his career, Djokovic has since won numerous titles. However, he admits feeling intimidated by his competitors, particularly Nadal, before big matches, even in the locker room.
"I can even hear the music he's listening to, you know, in his headphones," Djokovic said. "So, you know, it's pissing me off."
For Djokovic, the competition begins long before the first tennis ball is hit.
"Early in my career, I didn't realize how all that's part of the scenario, right? So I was getting intimidated by that," Djokovic said. "But it's also motivating me to do stuff myself and to show that I'm ready, you know? I'm ready for a battle, for a war."
Djokovic's commitment to the game is fueled by his children, 6-year-old Tara and 9-year-old Stefan, who serve as a constant source of motivation for him.
"Years ago, I had a dream that my daughter and my son would witness my victory at Wimbledon," Djokovic expressed. "And that dream came true multiple times. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had those experiences."
However, the key factor in extending Djokovic's career might be the emergence of a new generation of rivals who can challenge him, such as 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, the only player to defeat Djokovic at a major tournament this year.
Djokovic believes that Alcaraz is one of the most well-rounded players he has seen in a long time. Losing to him at Wimbledon served as a source of motivation, and Djokovic mentioned that it "frustrated me so much that I was determined to win everything on American soil, which I ultimately achieved."
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to reinvent myself and push harder than ever before," Djokovic remarked.
