Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic has been playing on the tour for more than two decades now. He has achieved almost everything a tennis player can dream of- Grand Slam titles, World No. 1 ranking, and ATP Finals title. Djokovic is entering 37, but he is still showing no signs of slowing. The Serbian is as agile as any youngster on the tour.
However, the only thing that might compel Djokovic to call it quits is his family. This is because the 36-year-old has talked about missing his kids while he competes on the tour. Although players usually travel with their families, it might get difficult for the Serbian to take his kids with him every time as they grow up and start going to school soon.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios (via Imago)
It happened in Australia this year when Djokovic could not travel with his family and he explicitly mentioned missing them while talking to Nick Kyrgios on the Australian’s talk show, Good Trouble. When Kyrgios asked how he keeps the flame burning after achieving almost everything in his career, Djokovic said that the hunger is still there. However, he admitted that sometimes he is in two minds.
The little Novak, the four-year-old Novak, who started playing tennis in Kopaonik in Serbia, is still inside and still in love with the sport and is still so hungry for more. Right? But at the same time, there's probably this more mature Novak, father and a husband, that is, 'Come on, man. There are other things in life as well'. I really miss my children as we speak now...And that's hurting me more and more, leaving them.Novak Djokovic said to Nick Kyrgios.
Novak Djokovic confronts the reality of not getting liked by fans
Novak Djokovic also touched upon the issue that has been persistent throughout his tennis career. Nole confronted the reality of not getting liked and talked about his mindset when he plays in an atmosphere against him.
The 36-year-old said that while the narrative is that he likes to play in a hostile atmosphere and thrives on the negative energy from all the booing he gets, it is not the case always. Djokovic aptly pointed out that it is the only option he has when playing a match because eventually, a win is important.
People think that I thrive on that energy when somebody does not like me or I am facing adversity on and off the court. Sometimes I do because that is the only thing I have at that moment. So, I have to find a solution and a way to win a tennis match...I know not everyone will like me...Off the court, I have learned over the years that if you respond to every article or comment, you can't go far.Novak Djokovic said on Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios
Notably, Djokovic has been at the receiving end of hate on many occasions. While he has shut his critics immediately with a win on the court, the Serbian has sometimes drowned in the negative energy. Nevertheless, he seems to have mastered the art of not letting the outside noise affect him much as Djokovic continues with his on and off-court antics.
