Starting the year with back-to-back titles in Doha and Melbourne, few expected the seemingly invincible Novak Djokovic to falter until his own summer of discontent.
Struck by wrist and elbow injuries in the second half of the season, the Serbian enters the final Masters tournament of the year in Paris bidding to win his first title since July and defend his No.1 position. It isn’t just injury problems that have haunted Djokovic as he continues to rediscover his passion for playing in the sport. A lack of motivation since June has also presented stiff challenges for him.
“Winning the French Open this year has brought a lot of joy to me, but on the other hand has taken away a lot from me, as well. I felt a little bit exhausted, I must say, and maybe less motivated,” Djokovic told a news conference on Sunday.
Physically the top seed appears to be returning back to the top after playing Shanghai with no indications of pain. On the other hand, mentally Djokovic still has a way to go. The focus and calmness that are normally associated with the 29-year-old failed to be consistent throughout the Asian Swing. Hitting questionable shots and occasionally showing lapses of focus in matches is two things that aren’t often associated with the Serbian.
Carlos : Because of your action (ripping shirt) delayed him to serve. (Umpire gave TVW to Djokovic after he went to change his shirt.) pic.twitter.com/j1r11YkwZl
— Jess Stein (@jessica4stein) 16 October 2016
Ironically Djokovic’s lacklustre form might be kicked back into shape thanks to the surge in form by his nearest rival, Andy Murray. The Wimbledon champion enters Paris with three consecutive titles under his belt and could potentially grab the No.1 position away from Djokovic if the Serbian fails to go deep in the tournament. Now in a position where his reign at the top in under threat, the 12-time grand slam champion is finally showing the fighting spirit that has been absent from his game in recent months.
“It makes me want to go on court and fight for every point because there is something to win at the end,” he said when asked about the threat from Murray.
Away from the court, Djokovic has also sought the help of a spiritual guide and former Spanish player Pepe Imaz. Imaz, who reportedly helped Djokovic’s brother Marko tackle depression, has a somewhat unorthodox approach to teaching tennis with his main focus being on ‘love and peace.’ According to The Daily Mail, Djokovic was with Imaz last week in Puente Romano. Furthermore, it has been agreed that the Spaniard will accompany the world No.1 this week and not either of his coaches (Boris Becker and Marian Vajda).
Enlisting the help of Imaz is a clear indication that Djokovic is still struggling to maintain the mental side to his game. Some will express scepticism to this approach, but more players are enlisting the help of sports psychologists to help their game. The hope for the Djokovic is that once he is at peace on the court, he can once again establish his dominance in the match.
Whether a healthy mind converts into a tough opponent on the court in Paris remains to be seen.
