When Novak Djokovic finally clinched the French Open trophy in 2016, it appeared as if the Serbian was an unstoppable force in the men’s game. Unknown to many at the time, it was an achievement that came with costly consequences.
Facing Andy Murray in last year’s final, the Serbian lived up to the expectation and hype by prevailing in four sets. Finally, Djokovic had triumphed in Roland Garros after falling short on 11 previous occasions. He was very much living in the moment when he lifted the trophy, but after the match he faced uncertainty.
“This title in Paris was, with my first Wimbledon in 2011, the most special title I won because of the story behind it and all the expectation it generated.” Djokovic told La Parisien.”I was several times so close … And as I got closer each year, the excitement but also the pressure grew in my mind. I did not even realize, when I won, how much energy I had spent and how mentally I was both satisfied and emptied.”
During the second half of 2016, a combination of injury and motivational issues loosened Djokovic’s stronghold on the tour. A shock Wimbledon exit to Sam Querrey was the first of a series of setbacks to occur. His sole achievement during that six-month period was winning the Canadian Masters. Djokovic’s slump was one that enabled Murray to claim the No.1 position from him.
Djokovic’s French Open hangover resulted in inevitable criticism from some. His highly successful three-year partnership with Boris Becker was no longer working out as the two parted ways in December on admirable grounds. Suddenly, he was left looking for answers and motivation to compete. A scenario that took him almost a year to solve.
“I felt a bit unbalanced, a little shaken. And it took me a long time, until recently, to rebalance myself mentally, emotionally and start to regain that spark.” He said.
“I was also surprised because I had never had this concern to have to motivate me. The main reason I play tennis is because I like it, because it gives me a lot of joy to hit the ball.”
The roller coaster journey continues this year. Leading into the French Open, Djokovic has achieved a win-loss of 20-6 in 2017. His sole title occurred at the start of 2017 in Doha. Since then, he has only managed to reach the final in one out of six tournaments played. The up-and-down results prompted Djokovic’s decision to dismiss his entire coaching staff in a bid to revive his game.
“I grew up being trained in a certain way. You feel like a robot, but you are a human being, you have emotions, and when your life begins to change, it affects you as a tennis player. We cannot separate the two. I felt that a change was necessary, and that’s why I made this decision to change my staff.”
Returning to a place that mentally bruised Djokovic, he hopes to learn from past mistakes with new coach Andre Agassi. The two will work together for a trial period. The new partnership has generated excitement in the world of tennis with ex-coach Becker backing Djokovic’s decision.
“We’re still close, we still talk a lot. I heard the name Agassi for a while and I think it’s a good choice,” Becker said.
“Ideally you don’t want to start at the French Open with a new partnership. You want to start a few weeks before, so I hope, and they’re both experienced, that they click quickly. Andre’s tennis expertise are second to none and I think their personalities would fit.”
It remains to be seen how Djokovic will fair in Roland Garros. One certainty is that the tournament will as much of a mental challenge as well as a physical one.
