Novak Djokovic recently opened up about how his struggles against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during the early years of his career shaped his path to success. From 2008 to 2010, Djokovic was ranked No. 3 in the world, but despite his talent, he couldn’t break through to consistently win Grand Slam titles due to Federer and Nadal’s dominance.
Djokovic explained that while he managed to score a few wins against them, he lacked the consistency to defeat them in critical matches. However, rather than discouraging him, those setbacks fueled his desire to improve.
“They made me hungrier to win, especially against them. I knew if I could find a way to be like those guys in the big matches… I could somehow figure out the Grand Slams and start winning more.”
Eventually, Djokovic did just that, using those years of struggle to sharpen his mental toughness, which he credits as the key to unlocking his success and ultimately becoming a multiple-time Grand Slam champion.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Now ranked no.4, the Serbian played his last encounter on the 13th of October when he was defeated by world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3
in the final in Shanghai (draw).Presently, during this year Djokovic has achieved a compiled 37-9 record. This year, Djokovic clinched 1 title in Paris. Novak was the finalist in Wimbledon and Shanghai.
Djokovic will play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Currently the world no.4, the Serbian played his last match on the 13th of October when he capitulated to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (draw).
Until now, during this year Djokovic has managed to achieve a 37-9 record. This year, Djokovic conquered 1 tournament in Paris. Novak was the runner-up in Wimbledon and Shanghai.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |