“I think that every child, whatever he wants to become, should always dream – imagination,” Novak Djokovic had said his 2020 motivational speech. While Djokovic never stopped dreaming, ultimately achieving 24 Grand slams, an Olympics Gold and now a clinical win at US Open. On Monday, Djokovic outclassed a “consistent and tenacious player”, who has spent most of his career ranked between No 50 and 150. While currently 37 in age, how does he manage to play like a 21-year-old?
Despite a shaky start with his first serve, Djokovic quickly asserted his dominance, breezing through his own service games and relentlessly pressuring Albot’s vulnerable serve. With his unwavering depth and consistency from both sides, Djokovic gradually wore down his opponent, securing a comfortable victory. 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. With this, he has now won more matches on Ashe, 78, than any other man in history. Shortly after, Djoker spilled the beans on his “longevity”.
In reply to James Blake’s question, Djokovic stated, “There’s not one word or secret that would describe it all. It’s just a way of life. Way to approach my tennis career. I was fortunate very early on in my life to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate people who were kind enough to share their guidance with me for years and they taught me very early on that prevention equals longevity.”
Further, he emphasized how efforts put early on in life compound and circle back later on. “Stretching. Warm-up. Everything I do early on in my life will come back to me later in my career.” Furthermore, Djoker adviced all athletes to find the optimal balance between the mind and body. “The body is one part. The mentality and emotional, mental aspect is something on the other side.”
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