By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday December 11 2023

Novak Djokovic opened up on a variety of tops in an interview with Jon Wertheim on 60 minutes, the Serb dishing on every little thing from his emotions about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal within the early life of his profession, to the inspiration that he takes from conserving the youthful technology underneath his thumb.

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On his younger rivals, Djokovic mentioned: “It’s a great opportunity for me to reinvent myself and really push harder than I ever did. I think the young guys who are very hungry and very inspired to play their best tennis against me is an additional motivation. I think they kind of awaken a beast in me.”

Djokovic admitted that shedding to Alcaraz in a five-set ultimate at Wimbledon, the place he was bidding to tie Roger Federer on the all-time title checklist at SW19 with eight, left a bitter style in his mouth. But he shortly remedied it.

“That pissed me off so much that I needed to win everything on American soil, which I did,” Djokovic instructed Wertheim.

Djokovic wish to be near Federer and Nadal

In a section that didn’t air on the present, Djokovic talked about his rivals Federer and Nadal, and described his need to have a detailed, enduring relationship with each when his profession is over.

“I would like to. I would really like to,” Djokovic mentioned about growing a extra pleasant relationship with Roger and Rafa, earlier than explaining why now just isn't the time to try this. “Personally, I would like to. I know that obviously we didn’t get along so well throughout our careers. And we are not friends because we’re rivals and it’s difficult as competitors to be very close and kind of share and give insights to you know, to your life or to how you feel because it could be used against you.”

Djokovic additionally mirrored on how he felt intimidated by Nadal and Federer throughout the early years of their rivalries. He remembers watching Nadal dash across the locker Room at Roland-Garros and being irritated by it.

"I [could] even hear the music he's listening to, you know, in his headphones," Djokovic mentioned. "So, you know, it [was] pissing me off."

The 24-time main champion says he used it as motivation in the long run.

"Early in my career, I didn't realize how all that's part of the scenario, right? So I was getting intimidated by that," Djokovic mentioned. "But it's also motivating me to do stuff myself and to show that I'm ready, you know? I'm ready for a battle, for a war.

Djokovic: 'I do not like this sort of mindset that I see loads in sports: simply suppose constructive, be optimistic, there isn't a room for failure & doubts... You are a human being. [What makes] the largest champions is the power to not keep in these feelings for too lengthy'

(@60Minutes) pic.twitter.com/BR0hj9O8ZL

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) December 11, 2023

The Secret to Djokovic's Mental Strength? Practice!

Djokovic corrected Wertheim when he was instructed that considered one of his biggest items was his psychological energy. "It's not a gift," he mentioned. "It's something that comes with work."

Djokovic says that his skill to go away pressure behind him has helped him take care of the stress that comes with combating for the sports' largest titles frequently. He practices letting his pressure go and reclaiming his stability on courtroom.

"The difference, I guess, between the guys who are able to be the biggest champions, and the ones that are struggling to get to the highest level is the ability to not stay in those emotions for too long," Djokovic mentioned. "So for me, it's really relatively short. So as soon as I experience it, I acknowledge it. I maybe, you know, burst. I scream on the court, whatever happens. But then I'm able to bounce back and reset."

Content Source: www.tennisnow.com