24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has commented on a difficult phase in his career. The Serbian player has not won a match since the Miami Masters in March.
– The last few months have been tough for you. How are you handling this new phase of your career?
– This is a new chapter in my life. I`m trying to embrace these new circumstances. I`m not accustomed to situations like two consecutive first-round exits [in Monte-Carlo and Madrid]. I believe this hasn`t happened to me in the last 20 years. But I was aware that such a moment could eventually arrive.
It`s challenging for me to simply reflect on what I`ve accomplished in my career. Of course, I`m proud of it, but I still have the desire to win the biggest trophies, contend for Grand Slam titles, and be among the top players in the world. That`s why I am here, in Geneva, working to do everything correctly to continue winning tournaments. I am still highly motivated.
However, during this transitional phase, I need to understand how my body is functioning, what is required to stay healthy while remaining in peak physical condition and performing my best tennis at the Majors. When I compete, I want to give my utmost, but Grand Slam tournaments remain my ultimate priority.
– How have you managed stress over the many years?
– It`s inherent to our profession. As Billie Jean King used to say, pressure is a privilege. It signifies that what we do holds significance. I can always depend on the support of my close ones. Without that, I wouldn`t be able to maintain the necessary equilibrium. I know what is needed to win Slams, to stay at the summit. It`s a tremendous responsibility. It`s no longer as effortless and straightforward as it was at the beginning of my career.
My life has transformed, undeniably for the better. I feel I still possess the game to be a strong contender for Grand Slam titles. For me, this continues to be a significant driving force. Naturally, I now experience more fluctuations – this has been noticeable over the past year to eighteen months. While enduring this isn`t particularly pleasant, it is the reality – I must accept it. Perhaps I can no longer play consistently at the same level. No, not `perhaps` – I definitely cannot. I know this. But at the same time, I understand how to establish my priorities.
