Underneath that fun charisma that he carries on and off the court, Novak Djokovic has got a heart of steel. The Serbian dominated 2015 men’s tennis like only few could, but to do it in the same era as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, takes some courage and determination.
Sky seemed to be the limit for Djokovic as he won three major titles, a record six Masters 1000 titles for an 82–6 record. The World No 1 reached the final of every tournament he entered after January and ended 2015 with his fourth consecutive season-ending championship triumph.
His dream run may have come when Federer’s mastery is on wane or war-horse but injury-ridden Nadal has been on a comeback trail, but there is no denying the fact that Djokovic has stepped on to a different level than his contemporaries.
So what does 2016 hold for Djokovic? Will he be looking to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Grand Slams in a single season? Then there is Rio Olympics too, where he would be gunning for gold, having had to settle for bronze at 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
It could also be that he would slip from these stratospheric heights! Back in 2011, Djokovic had a wonderful run, as he won three Grand Slam titles, like in 2015, barring the French Open, which has eluded him so far. But for the next three years, Djokovic could only claim one Grand Slam a year each.
The Serbian will turn 29 this May, the age which is considered the best for modern day tennis and Djokovic is quite aware of the hype and expectations surrounding him.
“I understand that those speculations are in place because of the season I had in 2015. I had a similar experience after 2011. I managed to win three Grand Slams. I’m sure Roger and Rafa have experienced that, as well, a few times,” said Djokovic as he sat down with journalists here in Doha ahead of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which begins today.
“You know, it’s Olympic year, as well. Of course Grand Slams and Olympic Games are the priority of the season, but it’s a long season so I can’t really predict what’s going to happen or guarantee if I’m going to win any of the Grand Slams or all four Grand Slams. Of course I’m going to try to win every tournament and every Grand Slam that I play in, because that’s the kind of mindset that I have. I try to be optimistic rather than pessimistic,” he said.
After sweeping through titles last year would it be hard to motivate himself? “It’s not the first time that I’m encountering this particular situation where I have to re-motivate myself, start from scratch, start from beginning. The fact that we all have the same starting point, I think it does give me a certain kind of excitement because it’s a long season ahead. You have to take the best out of the season that I have had in 2015 and try to use that as confidence or incentive for this one. You know, that’s the kind of approach,” Djokovic offered.
To keep himself in top shape for a long, hard haul would be important for Djokovic, having only had six weeks to recuperate. But he said the time spent with family has given him fresh energy.
“Well, for me, recovery is as important as the work, as the training that I put in. I think the right balance and understanding to put in the quality and intensity of working rather than quantity of hours spent on the court is something that was always part of our kind of approach and philosophy as a team. Also the fact that I have played so many matches, you know, has obviously got me very tired, you know, mentally and physically and emotionally. I needed to recharge on all of these aspects.
“I had a couple of weeks off, time to spend with my family and try to keep my thoughts off the game. Tennis season is the longest we have in sport, so there is not much time in those weeks where you can actually allow yourself this luxury of thinking something and doing something else,” Djokovic explained.
It was two years ago that Djokovic approached Boris Becker, the six-time Grand Slam champion, to become his head coach. Since then, he has reclaimed the No 1 ranking and added four more Slams to his record, taking his tally to 10. Djokovic says his gamble to hire the former world number one German has earned dividends.
“Boris has obviously contributed a lot mostly from the mental perspective ever since he has joined the team. The results are showing that. There was a lot of scepticism whether or not he can help me or whether or not he’s a good choice to be part of the team, but we have proven that, you know, it was the right choice that we both made.
“He had a great relationship and communication with Marian (Vajda, Djokovic’s other coach) and the rest of the team from day one he joined the team. He’s a very wise man, he’s very smart. He knows when to communicate, what to say. He has a completely understanding of me and my life, and he’s trying to help me as a person and a player as much as he can. I’m very grateful to have him on board as everybody else on the team, and I think this kind of team has helped me to actually achieve such success in 2015,” Djokovic said.
Speaking of coaches, Federer has recently hired Ivan Ljubicic as his coach, who is also a good friend of Djokovic. Though he said it would be weird to see Ljubicic in Federer’s player box, but Djokovic only wished his friend good luck.
“Yes. Honestly, yes (to see Ljubicic with Federer). But, you know, again, it’s normal. We are all professionals and Ivan was No 3 in the world. He was a Davis Cup winner and somebody that has played in a few different generations. I played against him a few times. He knows my game. He knows the game of all of Roger’s opponents. I think that’s one of the reasons why Roger has hired Ivan to be with him in the team.
“Whether it’s going to work or not, that’s something that is left to see for all of us, but I wish them all the best. I think Ivan is a great guy, very calm, very composed, and I’m sure Roger knows why he hired him. I still consider Federer, (Andy) Murray, and Nadal as my biggest competitors, but of course they are not the only ones who are going to challenge me and everybody else for the major titles,” Djokovic signed off.