Djokovic told Tennis Majors how society worked to turn someone into a villain and the attacks he faced when he was exiled from Australia 12 months ago.
“Yes, every day is a new lesson. and then attacked from all angles, basically the whole world, but given how society works these days, I expected something like that.. That’s how the game plays. And things are hidden, and knowing that made it really hard to deal with.”
He added that his patience and sense of solidarity with his family and those close to him helped him overcome all obstacles and get to where he is today. is open to all that life can teach and test me, that’s my motto.”
In the same interview, Djokovic named his biggest threat at the Australian Open: Tsitsipas, Sinner, Zverev, Medvedev of course, and Nadal, a veteran like me. When it comes to young players, it’s clear that Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Roon, who sadly won’t be playing in Melbourne, are the frontrunners. Both of them he is 19 years old and Alcaraz deservedly he is number 1. He had a great year of his life. “
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic pours water on his head during a break between his match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev during the ATP World Tour Finals singles tennis match at the Para Alpitour in Turin, Italy. (AP)
Djokovic thinks it’s been an exhilarating time for the Grand Slam.
“I think it’s even more interesting for people to watch the Grand Slams at this point. When we’re all out there and healthy, it’s dramatic and fascinating to follow who wins the trophy,” he said. told Tennis Major.
When asked by the Tennis Majors if he gained a little weight in the offseason, he said he probably lost a few kilos. To be exact he was in Adelaide and he lost 1.5kg. it happens. In the off-season, when there are no tournaments, you have the opportunity to build muscle mass, but you don’t have as much time in tennis as you do in other sports. Now that the opportunity presents itself, I’m glad that the work I’ve done has been fruitful. “
Djokovic told The Tennis Majors that he still owes dinner to Nick Kyrgios, who stood by him during the ordeal. As for the Serbian Open, I think people at home changed their opinion of him positively considering he was one of the few people in Australia who stood by me and supported me – a lot. one wants to see now he plays we are having a conversation we talked last year we want to have him there he enjoys his time there And I think he’s going to give a lot of support, and if he wants it, he’s very welcome.”
offshore documentary
Before chasing a record-breaking 10th Australian Open title, Djokovic opened up to the Tennis Majors about his documentary and whether it should be a series. And then there were some changes.Something was decided, so we had to change our plans.We are adjusting now.I don’t know the exact date yet, but by the middle of this year. We are in the process of editing and we are nearing our goal and I hope you all will be able to see it soon. I’ve been through that, so now I’m deciding whether to make it a documentary or a series.”
When the tennis majors asked him how he would like to be remembered, the 21-time Grand Slam champion said: I live my life to the fullest and try to stay aware of the fact that there are many people who aren’t as lucky as I am. I am always trying to remember where I came from.
“All the life I have now was not given to me. I want to spread positive energy to sports fans all over the world so that people can come see me play and feel good and remember me as someone who cares about others. Of course, I hope that my achievements in tennis will give me even more.”
Djokovic was asked about his advice to NBA star Bogdan Bogdanovic, a recent interview with an outlet sports club in Serbia, sports idols he learned about and sports idols he idolizes. “I have read Bogdan’s words and I can only thank him. He is a friend, an extraordinary man and a great basketball player who supports him in everything. I’m raising the flag, I’ll talk to you whenever I get the chance.It’s always interesting to get some insight into the daily lives of my fellow athletes, how they perceive things, how they train and recover, their approach There are a lot of commonalities between different sports, maybe I can implement something into my routine.As a professional athlete, stagnation means setbacks, so I always have to strive to move forward. it won’t.”
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after beating Russia’s Andrei Rublev in a singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals at the Para Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Wednesday, November 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
A hero of his own, starting with Kobe Bryant and Diego Maradona. “Many athletes have inspired me. Of course you mentioned Kobe Bryant. So did Michael Jordan.When it comes to tennis, Pete Sampras was my coach, and then Andre Agassi and Boris Becker.The history of all sports and the greats of the past. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make the sport a global phenomenon.”
Their tennis trips are taken for granted, but Djokovic said he cried every time he left home. It’s hard to see my wife, kids, parents, siblings… I don’t get to spend as much time with my family – for example, I’m going to spend more than a month in Australia right now. It hurts, I cry every time I leave the house.Sometimes I wish I had been different, but I am so grateful for everything life has given me.
“I am trying to recognize that fact, but I still miss my family. So the most important thing for men is to be true to themselves and do their best to adapt to all situations.”
Djokovic said mobile phones are a distraction and unhealthy. , distraction, addiction… Personally, I enjoy Instagram.. On the one hand, I spend time on social media so that I can find a balance between social media and real society and real people without technology. I try to warn myself not to overdo it.
“In tournaments around the world, it’s very difficult to do that today because people are mainly glued to their mobile phones and don’t interact much. It’s nothing to admire and my advice to young athletes is to recognize it and find a formula that works for them. , do not use the phone in the evening.For me it depends on a lot of circumstances, for example if I am away, I will probably spend more time on the phone so that I can talk to my family .