Novak Djokovic with the 2020 Australian Open title (Getty Images)
World No.1 Novak Djokovic shared views on his mental fortitude that helped win several tough finals.
Djokovic is in Dubai right now for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship was speaking to the tournament’s broadcasters ahead of his first-round match against Tunisian Malek Jaziri.
Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam champion has had a wonderful season so far, winning the ATP Cup earlier in January followed by his triumph at the Australian Open a few weeks back.
“Well it comes from inside,” he first replied jokingly. “It’s hard to pick one thing that really defines the mental strength of myself or any other player or athlete for that matter, dealing with these kinds of situations,” Djokovic began explaining.
“Its several different factors that are involved that are contributing to the ability to cope with the pressure, to understand what are your strengths, what your centre is so that you could kind of focus on delivering your best self when you need it the most. One of them is experience, obviously playing so many years on the Tour,” he said.
According to Djokovic, his mental fortitude was not built due to one particular reason but a variety of factors.
Djokovic then went in length to explain some of the other factors that had helped him overcome such difficult situations and thrive under pressure.
He said that another reason for his success in such finals might be due to the way that he grew up.
“Other is the way I have grown up. I think during the ’90s in Serbia there was a lot of war, and crisis, and sanctions and a lot of difficulties that my family had to endure and face. That has kind of given me that strength and never give up spirit.
“In a way, I never thought of failing at something. I have always seen everything as just another step towards accomplishing goals and developing myself as a human being and tennis player”.
“And I think the ability to stay in the present. You have to train your mind as well, not just on the court but off the court and understand who you are and work on your emotions.
“Its easier said than done. It’s like a cliché, like the phrase ‘Be in the moment’, but it truly possesses a great strength and power that enables you to be at your best.”
The record eight-time Australian Open winner concluded with a note saying that staying and believing in the present brings out the best in any player, especially during such pressure situations.
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