Mumbai, 21st January 2024: Chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic reached the quarter-finals of Australian Open 2024 as he swept past Adrian Mannarino in straight sets on Sunday, 21st January. Following the magnificent win, Djokovic took to Sony Sports Network’s studio show Extraaa Serve and spoke in length with expert panellist Somdev Devvarman.
The former India No. 1 tennis professional questioned Djokovic, who has been a successful part of world tennis in the last two decades, on how has the sport changed over the years and what is required to be a successful player at the top level in the current scenario. “The physicality is a big part of it. Players today are very fit,” began Djokovic.
“I don’t think at the top level if there is any player who lacks flexibility, explosiveness, strength etc. Everyone travels with big team comprised by a physiologist, psychologist, nutritionist, analytics and other coaches. That is the biggest difference I have noticed in these 20 years. The level of professionalism has grown a lot,” he explained.
He went on to shed light on how the players and their coaching staff are more focused on monitoring the fitness levels, dietary plans, medical check-ups etc. in order to ensure they are prepared for every challenge on court. Djokovic also elucidated on how players still do suffer from injuries and attributed it to the higher intensity of the game, the increased number of matches and tournaments, change in formats and also the other exhibition events which they play in the off season.
He went on to advise the young players on maintaining an appropriate schedule saying, “It is important to be smart about your calendar. Even though you are a young player and you want to travel here and there for different tournaments or exhibition matches because they are paying you big money, you just need to see the bigger picture. I was fortunate during my time, to be surrounded by people who advised me well on how to manage my calendar. So, I wasn’t chasing things around and playing every week. It has benefited me in a lot of ways and helped me have a long career.”
Furthermore, the 36-year-old also spoke in detail about his routine and the things he does off the court that help him on court. “My style is more intense, rigorous, structured days of commitment, training, recovery and that of preparation of mental, physical, emotional, spiritual to get myself at the right level, perform at my best level and be the best in the world. It’s important to strike the right balance between being active and then resting,” stated the World No. 1.
Before concluding, Djokovic revealed the activities he prefers to do in the ‘second part of the day’ where he doesn’t have any commitments and obligations. “Normally, in the second part of the day when I don’t have the obligations or other commitments, I love to research on things that inspire me. I love history and everything about nature, human body and experience; how to live a profound and fulfilling life in every aspect. I also like to listen to podcasts and TED Talks. I like to learn new things because at the end of the day, you want to be the best version of yourself.”
The Serbian legend will take on Taylor Fritz in the Australian Open 2024 quarter-final clash on Wednesday, 24th January.
