The achievements of Novak Djokovic this season has even surprised members of his own team, according to his fitness trainer Gebhard Gritsch.
A strong second half of the year saw the Serbian end the year as world No.1 for the fifth time in his career. Becoming the first player in history to do so after falling outside of the top 20 earlier in the same season. Since the start of Wimbledon, Djokovic has won 35 out of 38 matches. Winning two grand slam titles at Wimbledon at the US Open, as well as two Masters tournaments.
“In May, none of us in the team had thought this [end of year] was possible.” Gritsch said during an interview with Kurier.at. “He was really in trouble. There was a lot missing in the fitness area, as he was not really trained tennis specific. But above all, he also had mental problems because he did not know where he actually is.”
Austrian-born Gritsch is a long-time member of Djokovic’s team. He worked with the 14-time grand slam champion continuously between 2009-2017 before they decided to go their own ways. The two reconnected earlier this season shortly after the Miami Open. Around the same time as Djokovic reappointed coach Marian Vajda.
“With so many years, so many weeks, days and hours together … We were all just stressed out and drained.” He commented about the split last year.
“A few weeks after our reunion, he (Djokovic) asked me when he would have another chance (to win a grand slam). The objective was then at the US Open. Paris was good. But then he came to Wimbledon and immediately had a sensational feeling. The game on grass is his, he moves well, he has a lot of feeling. And the mental strength came back again.”
As well as success, the 31-year-old has also had to deal with his fair share of problems. A troublesome elbow injury sidelined him for six months last year. Then he had to undergo surgery in February to help treat the problem during what was a mixed return to the tour. At the start of the season, Djokovic had a win-loss record of 6-6 in matches played.
Reflecting on the resurgence of the world No.1 on the tour, Gritsch said it was achieved through ‘hard work’ and Djokovic’s ability to regain his focus.
“We worked extremely hard, on everything. But above all, he has found the focus again. Novak knew he needed to invest more – and he did. He lived again for the principle of tennis. He knew that if he wanted to break records, he would have to do it soon.”
The Austrian has also hailed the role Vajda has played. Vajda is a former player himself, who once coach the Slovakian Davis and Fed Cup teams.
“Marian Vajda is a great coach and the easy going guy, I’m more like the calmer brain of the team. We just found a good combination to combine all the components that make up a successful professional.” Concluded Gritsch.
Djokovic is set to return to action later this month when he plays at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships. An exhibition tournament held in the United Arab Emirates. He will then kick-off his 2019 season in Qatar at the Doha Open.