In the past it has been easy to forget that Novak Djokovic is a normal person. Becoming the first man to win $20 million in prize money within a season in 2015, this year has been one that has brought the Serbian down to earth.
No longer at the top of the world rankings, Djokovic is eager to redeem his position at this week’s ATP Finals in London. The start of his campaign has been one filled with promise. After fighting from a set down to defeat Dominic Thiem, the second seed produced glimpses of his top tennis during his hard fought win over Canada’s Milos Raonic.
The promising signs have once again brought joy back to the Djokovic camp following a roller coaster second half of the year with injury and confidence issues. It has been a far from perfect route into the year-end championships, but the multiple grand slam champion will be the first to admit his weaknesses.
“I never felt unbeatable, and I never will.” Said Djokovic.” I don’t think it’s fair to say you’re unbeatable. There are few athletes ever in their career that have retired unbeatable.”
Djokovic’s well measured and level-headed viewpoint is one to admire from a player who has won 30 or more consecutive matches on three occasions since 2010. Evidently the winning streaks are certainly a boost as it would be for any player, but the 29-year-old knows he can’t fully rely on this to maintain his position at the top of the men’s game.
“You can’t kind of rely on that fact and think like that’s going to be the case always.But knowing that I have done it helped me to do maybe half of that a few times. I guess even 10, 15, 20 matches in a row is pretty good. I’ll accept that.” He said.
Often it is easy to be critical of the former world No.1. Following his win over Thiem this week, concerns were raised about Djokovic’s mentality following his fierce clash with a British reporter over his behaviour on the court. It was an outburst that some didn’t expect, but in reality they should of. Nobody is perfect, not even the mighty Roger Federer, who is currently sidelined from action due to a knee injury.
Djokovic has earned the reputation of being one of the greatest players in the modern era of men’s tennis. It is an achievement to admire, but it is naive to think that this makes him invincible.
