Novak Djokovic: 'I have been lucky to belong to this sport'

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has played much less than expected this season. His decision not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus has had negative repercussions both on his calendar and on his image. The Serbian phenomenon has been forced to miss two Slams, the Australian Open and the US Open, as well as being at the center of a media circus.

For the same reason, the former world number 1 also had to miss all the North American Masters 1000 (Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal and Cincinnati) and plummeted down the ATP rankings. After his disappointment at Roland Garros, Novak redeemed himself by triumphing at Wimbledon for the seventh time in his career.

In addition to equaling his idol Pete Sampras, Novak closed the gap that separates him from Rafael Nadal in the ranking of all Slams. Goran Ivanisevic's protégé still does not know if he will be able to play the Australian Open 2023, but the signs point to a white flag.

In a press conference during the ATP in Tel Aviv, Djokovic revealed his strategy to stay at the highest level. "There is no secret or key that will solve all problems," Djokovic began. "Success comes from a combination of aspects related to your character: who you are, how you train, what your lifestyle is.

All this contributes to the image of success. I'm not saying that this formula is effective for everyone, but it has worked for me", added the 21-time Grand Slam champion. During a recent interview with "The Pavlovic Today", his uncle Goran made some interesting observations: "This This year was not easy for Nole, but he never lost heart."

Djokovic will play the Astana Open

Novak Djokovic is known for his extraordinary mental strength, something that has helped establish him as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

"I think it has a lot to do with the environment I grew up in. As I have told before, I grew up in the 90's in Serbia, with wars, sanctions and difficult times to live. My parents suffered a lot just to be able to eat. I have been lucky to belong to this sport, which is not cheap.

I fell in love with tennis and my parents helped me, even though it was extremely difficult for them," Djokovic was quoted as saying by Punto de Break. "It comes from appreciating life and these kinds of circumstances, knowing what it feels like to have nothing and then have so much in life.

That gives you perspective to respect everything that comes with a more positive and humble attitude. It's not always something that helps me, but it makes it prevail when I use it," he added.