Qualified in the final of Roland-Garros, the imperturbable Serb can become alone Sunday the most successful player in history in grand slam.
By Adrian Mathieu
© KASAPOGLU MINE / ANADOLU AGENCY / Anadolu Agency via AFP
Published on
Subscriber-only audio playback
She breaks between two sets to go and recharge his batteries in the locker room may have been irritated, his relationship to the vaccine has sparked debate, some of his political positions have challenged him, but Novak Djokovic remains imperturbable.
While tennis fans have always preferred Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to him, the Serb has built up an extraordinary track record and has been able to last over time. By dominating a diminished Carlos Alcaraz at the start of the third set (6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-0), he reached a grand slam final for the 35th time and is aiming for a 23rd success this Sunday.
“Djokovic seeks to forge more and more links”
For the one who has long been considered the best raiser on the circuit, the evolution in the head has been the key. For Doctor Christophe Bernelle, author of the book Nadal, Federer, Djokovic: 21 games to get into the minds of these champions and boost your mind to Solar editions, the Serb has perfectly managed delicate situations over time.
“Tennis is a martial art from a distance, we hit each other and you have to know how to take them, it’s a mental showdown because very often the players are all technically and tactically developed, but where a Djokovic stands out, it is that he knows how to be sufficiently relaxed in the decisive moments. Djokovic talked about the importance of yoga, meditation and breathing, he draws his strength from that. »
Novak Djokovic is the first player in history to have managed to qualify at least 7 times for the final of each Grand Slam tournament!
���� Australian Open: ��������������������
���� Roland Garros: ������������❓
���� Wimbledon: ����������������
���� US Open: ������������������ pic.twitter.com/puR4d9PMqy— Game, Set and Maths (@JeuSetMaths) June 9, 2023
The interested party himself tried to explain the secrets of his success to still be as successful at 36 years old. “For you to be at the top of such a demanding individual sport, you have to know that everything matters, absolutely everything. How long and how you train, who you surround yourself with, how you eat, how you sleep, etc. All of this affects the end product, i.e. the results in the field. I am aware of it, and this awareness came over time, ”confided the native of Belgrade in November 2021. Because before becoming an unshakeable player, Djokovic knew how to put on a show on the courts, imitate some of his opponents to relax the atmosphere and even break rackets.
For Christophe Bernelle, Djokovic’s partner, Jelena, encouraged him to change and turn to new means of preparation in order to improve. “She accompanied him in his singular methods. It helps him to feel better to become a better person, we have seen him evolve, he gets angry a lot less and gets more and more respect from his opponents. At 19 he found excuses when he failed, but during his defeat against Daniil Medvedev at the US Open 2021 which deprived him of a historic grand slam over a year, we saw him hugging his opponent. He seeks to weave more and more links. He’s a whole different man today. »
The key role of Jelena Djokovic
Novak Djokovic thus went on a gluten-free diet, developed his own convictions and did not hesitate to go on a spiritual retreat for several days in Serbia. During this Roland Garros 2023, he was even seen with a strange patch on his chest. “It is supposed to improve balance, posture, muscle activation, but also concentration and recovery,” according to RMC.
Social networks and observers have not failed to be challenged by this mysterious little box. “My team uses fantastic nanotechnology which allows me to give the best of myself”, thus assured the Serb but several doctors questioned by the press doubted the concrete impact of this patch.
READ ALSORoland-Garros: the reasons for the French massacre
But what counted above all in the durability of Djokovic at the highest level like his best rivals Nadal and Federer, was his total adherence to his sport. “He kept the pleasure of playing,” says Christophe Bernelle. Despite all the entourage that can be a bit heavy, he knew how to round his back and focus on the essentials. Despite everything, Djokovic had a period where he wanted to stop everything but his wife convinced him to resume after his elbow surgery. The Serb was therefore able to count on two precious allies during his plethoric career: himself and his companion.