Press conferences are sometimes unpredictable places in the world of sport. Novak Djokovic knows this better than anybody when he was challenged about how he was going to cry in the future.
The bizarre question started due to his new partnership with Lacoste. On May 22nd it was confirmed that the world No.2 has become the new ambassador for the sports brand, whose founder (René Lacoste) won seven grand slam titles during the 1920s. The company is distinguished for their use of a crocodile (Lacoste’s nickname during his playing career) as its logo.
Djokovic’s new deal is part of a new era in his career. Within the past month he has dismissed three pivotal members of his coaching team before enlisting the help of Andre Agassi. Midway through his Wednesday post-match press conference, one journalist asked a somewhat unorthodox question.
“Are you going to cry after you kill your victims like a crocodile, or are you going to cry only when you lose like in Rio?”
The question was in reference to Djokovic’s first round loss to Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio Olympics when he exited the court in tears. It appeared as if the journalist was suggesting that it was a weakness to cry. A baffling statement considering the sheer amount of physical and mental trauma players go through during matches. In response, a very philosophical Djokovic explained why it is good for athletes to show their emotions on the court.
“I don’t think that crying is exposing your vulnerability in a bad way. I think it exposes your vulnerability in a good way.” He explained.
“We all have emotions. Crying in Rio was definitely one of the toughest moments I had in my career, knowing that I won’t have a chance to fight for a medal that I really wanted so much.”
As for crying like a crocodile, he shrugged off the analogy with a grin.
Finding the balance
The level-headed response of the defending French Open champion comes as he searches for a solution to manage his own emotions. During this year’s Roland Garros, Djokovic appears to be calm and relaxed on the court after his first two matches. This will likely change as he progresses with tougher opponents standing in the way of a second consecutive title.
“I always liked expressing my emotions. I always try to be honest to people and to myself and to life in general, whatever I do.” He said.
“I never try to pretend, and so there are times on the court when I express emotions in a good or bad way. The important thing is to be aware of that and to try to channel it in your own advantage, so to say, so it can be useful energy.”
Djokovic knows what he wants to achieve in his quest to return back to the top of the men’s game. Still, it is easier said than done. A roller coaster season has seen the Serbian win only one title. Since triumphing in Doha at the start of the year, Djokovic has only reached one final in six tournaments.
“Some identify it as in-the-zone kind of moment, and it’s not easy to get to it. I need to work hard for it, but not only physically. Also mentally. It takes time, takes experience. It’s very easy to lose it, so it’s something like confidence, as well.”
Djokovic will next play Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in the third round of the French Open.
