After a near-perfect second half of the season, it is hard to believe that Novak Djokovic once pondered what to do about his future.
Djokovic, who won both Wimbledon and the US Open this season, experienced a turbulent return to the sport following a six-month injury hiatus. An elbow problem ended his 2017 campaign early and he was forced to undergo another surgical procedure to treat the problem in February. At the start of this season, Djokovic managed to win back-to-back matches in two out of six tournaments played. During that testing period, the world No.2 was left thinking about his future in tennis.
“This year, in the first months after surgery I passed through emotions and thoughts that were not the brightest.” Djokovic told TV show Da Mozda Ne, according to The Express.
“I also said that I would no longer play tennis, people were shocked.
“At those moments I was not sure what I was talking about. The worst is when there’s a doubt about the belief that I can do it.”
Despite his doubts, Djokovic has managed to conquer his demons. Since the start of Wimbledon, he has managed to win 27 out of 28 matches on the tour. His latest triumph was at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, where he defeated Borna Coric in the final. Becoming the first ATP player this season to win 17 consecutive matches. He is also only 215 points adrift from the world No.1 spot, which is currently being held by Rafael Nadal.
“I am not ashamed of such moments. One part of me knew that there would be a moment to make a success, for a Grand Slam and to be number one in the world.” He said.
“In April this year I sat with the trainers, I developed a strategy. In that plan, I wanted my form to return by the US Open.
“But the highlight came early on the grass, I played Queen’s final.”
Djokovic has won four out of the last five tournaments he has played.
The world cup backlash
Elsewhere in his extensive interview with De Moza Ne, the 31-year-old hit back at the criticism he received for supporting Croatia in this year’s World Cup. Djokovic’s home country of Serbia and Croatia has a tense relationship following the Croatian war of Independence between 1991-1995. An estimated 20,000 people were killed during the conflict. Serbian politician Vladimir Djukanovic said ‘only idiots’ support Croatia in response to Djokovic’s comments over the summer.
“Everybody has the right to express their opinion and to express themselves as they wish, I always respect everyone.” Said Djokovic. “I have often been condemned for things like this in recent years, my support for Croatia came from my heart. I want all the best for them, I have many friends there.”
The war of words between the two countries continues to the present day. Last month Serbian president sparked anger when he compared Croatia to Nazi Germany. Saying ‘Hitler wanted a world without Jews and Croatia wanted a Croatia without Serbs.’
“I am absolutely aware of everything that happened in the war. I did not participate, I was young, but I was in Serbia and I know that many people lost many loved ones. it is very difficult to talk about this, it is a very sensitive issue.” Djokovic elaborate about the topic.
“War does not win, I regret that every year the wound is refreshed, but intolerance is created between artificially created people. Croats and Serbs share language, culture and tradition.
“I have many Croatian friends, whom I consider as my own people.”
Djokovic is set to return to action next week at the Paris Masters.
