Djokovic Prioritizes Rest and Enjoyment Over Rankings and Tournaments

In a recent interview following his Davis Cup victory over Greece's Ioannis Xilas, world-renowned tennis player Novak Djokovic candidly discussed his shifting priorities and the need for proper rest as he contemplates the future of his illustrious career.

Unlocking the Secrets to Sustained Success

Rediscovering the Passion

Djokovic, who has dominated the sport for years, acknowledged that maintaining motivation has become a challenge in recent times. "Weeks like these represent another motivation, they inspire me to keep going, they awake those butterflies in my belly," he said, referring to the electric atmosphere of playing in front of his home crowd in Belgrade. However, the Serbian superstar admitted that the automatic drive he once felt has not been as consistent in the last few years. "I thought that I would never have to seek motivation anywhere, it all used to come naturally – automatically – but that has not been the case in the last few years," he confessed.

Prioritizing Rest and Enjoyment

In order to prolong his illustrious career, Djokovic has recognized the importance of prioritizing rest and enjoyment over the pursuit of rankings and tournament victories. "In order to prolong my career, I need to enjoy, I need to choose wisely tournaments I am going to play," he explained. This shift in mindset is evident in his decision to skip the upcoming 250-level tournament in Belgrade, a move he reiterated with unwavering certainty: "I am not playing, that won't change."

Embracing a More Spontaneous Approach

Djokovic's approach to his schedule has also become more flexible and spontaneous in recent years. "Usually in my career I used to have my schedule ready six months in advance, but nowadays that's not the case, now it's more spontaneous," he revealed. This newfound adaptability allows him to focus on his immediate needs, both physically and mentally, before committing to future events. "Firstly, I need to physically, emotionally and mentally rest in order to even start thinking what I want to do next, in what way, how much and where," he explained.

Shifting Priorities: Slams and National Team

Djokovic's priorities have also undergone a significant shift, with the ATP Finals no longer being a primary focus. "Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest, I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings etc," he stated emphatically. Instead, the Serbian legend has set his sights on playing for his national team and competing in Grand Slam tournaments, which he considers his "main priorities." As for other events, Djokovic remains uncertain, stating, "Whether I will play other tournaments this year or in the future, I can't say right now."

Embracing a Balanced Approach

Djokovic's newfound approach to his tennis career reflects a desire for a more balanced and sustainable path forward. By prioritizing rest, enjoyment, and his personal well-being, the legendary player hopes to prolong his time at the top of the sport and continue to inspire fans around the world. As he navigates the twilight of his career, Djokovic's focus on finding the right balance between competition and personal fulfillment may serve as a model for future generations of athletes seeking to achieve lasting success.