What is the one term that truly characterizes Novak Djokovic’s immense success in the tennis world? “Among all the players who have ever participated in tennis, Novak has been the most devoted,” states Mark Hodgkinson (author of ‘Searching for Novak’). That is quite a significant declaration! However, Djokovic has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment by putting in extensive efforts to enhance his mental and physical abilities in order to achieve optimal results on the court. According to the biographer, any player can execute a serve, but what distinguishes a champion from the rest is their unwavering dedication and a resilient mindset.
For instance, Novak encountered numerous health and fitness challenges during the early stages of his career. After undergoing multiple tests to identify the root cause, it was discovered that he had a high sensitivity to wheat and dairy products. Consequently, he was compelled to reduce his consumption of these substances. This was no easy task for someone who came from a family that previously owned a pizza restaurant. Nevertheless, his unwavering commitment to the sport and his burning desire to reach the pinnacle prevented him from hesitating to make this decision. The result? He shed nearly five to six kilograms in a year and transformed into a fitter version of himself.
This is what set young Nole apart from others! Expanding on this, Hodgkinson revealed that as a child, Djokovic would not just arrive at the court with a racket; he would also carry a towel and water bottle. This demonstrates that he was always prepared and ready to give his all from a young age. “Among all the players who have ever participated in tennis, Novak has been the most devoted, claiming he has invested more in his preparations and his tennis than any other athletes,” stated the biographer.
While speaking with Djokovic’s friends, Mark Hodgkinson discovered that Novak would always ask himself one question, “How will this contribute to my tennis?” It was as if he would only engage in activities that would benefit his journey in tennis. That was the level of his dedication to the sport! What are Novak’s thoughts on the lessons he has learned over the years from playing this beautiful sport?
During an interview earlier this year, Djokovic discussed the lessons he has gained from playing tennis. Firstly, he mentioned that it has made him more resilient and aided in his mental, physical, and emotional development. He then added, “If you approach things in the correct manner and dedicate yourself to constant improvement on a daily basis, striving to perfect your skills and yourself as a person and athlete, it will propel you to great heights and beyond.”
The 37-year-old Serbian firmly believes that in an individual sport like tennis, commitment is crucial. Both long-term and short-term goals play a vital role in inspiring players to find strength and a burst of energy when they need it the most. His advice to all athletes is, “It requires commitment, and it is important for a tennis player to reflect and assess themselves, deciding how dedicated they truly want to be to the sport.”
When questioned about his desired legacy, Djokovic set aside his numerous trophies and expressed his aspiration to be remembered for his unwavering commitment and passion for the game. After dedicating countless hours and immense energy to his craft, he now finds himself on the verge of realizing his childhood dream in Paris. Can he secure the gold medal in the singles event at the Paris Olympics? Share your thoughts.
Photo by Novak Djokovic Instagram
