Novak Djokovic claims he has to ‘correct’ Jon Wertheim after what is said about him during interview
Novak Djokovic is not only one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but one of the greatest sportsmen too.
A well-respected athlete who transcends the sport that he has dominated for two decades now, this 24-time Grand Slam champion has won it all, and yet still has the desire to claim more honours.
In a recent interview, he sought to explain how he cultivated such a sparkling champion mindset.
That was, until the interviewee said something that he had to set the record straight on.
Novak Djokovic forced to set the record straight
Speaking on CBS Sports as part of their 60 minutes interview series, Novak Djokovic was this iteration’s guest, as a great coup for the show.
The legendary Serbian superstar, who officially completed tennis over the summer by winning the Olympic gold medal, has been lauded relentlessly in recent weeks, and deservedly so.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning match point against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in the Men’s Singles third round match during day five…
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
After all, he took on the weight of the world regarding the pressure he felt to win this title, and still came out on top.
Now, speaking to journalist Jon Wertheim, the interviewer first stated: ‘What I think is your great gift [mental ability] is much harder to articulate.’
More Tennis News
This provoked the 37-year-old, who replied: ‘I would have to correct you. It’s not a gift. It’s something that comes with work.’
Wertheim replied: ‘You train for the mental side, the way you would your serve, how?’
‘Absolutely,’ Djokovic noted. ‘Well, there are different techniques. Conscious breathing is a big part, especially in the moments when you’re under tension.’
This startled the journalist, who then asked: ‘I think a lot of people think in the moment Novak is so locked in, you’re saying this is part of a process?’
Men’s Tennis Singles gold medalist Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia waves to fans on the stage with his medal at Champions Park on day ten of the Olym…
Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Djokovic then offered his final statement on the matter: ‘I mean it might appear locked in but trust me there is a storm inside. The biggest battle is always within. You have your doubts and fears, I feel it every single match.
‘I don’t like this mindset that I see a lot in sports about just thinking positive thoughts, be optimistic, there is no room for failure and doubts. It’s impossible. You are a human being.
‘The difference between the guys who are able to be the biggest champions and the ones who are struggling to get to the highest level is the ability to not stay in those emotions for too long.’
Nobody has a stronger mentality than Novak Djokovic
This summer marks the perfect example of Djokovic’s unrelenting mentality, although, across his long and illustrious career, there have been too many to count.
However, in this particular instance, he faced an almighty task to overcome Carlos Alcaraz, who had just won Roland Garros and Wimbledon back to back, pulverising Djokovic in the final of the latter.
Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia and Carlos Alcaraz of Team Spain meet at the net prior to the Men’s Singles Gold medal match on day nine of the Olymp…
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images via Getty
Leave a Reply