The odds were not in his favour. His opponents were hot favourites. But Serbian Novak Djokovic still managed to clinch his fourth Wimbledon title this year, and his first Grand Slam title in two years. He beat Rafael Nadal in the semis and Kevin Anderson in the finals to secure his 13th Grand Slam, in the aftermath of an elbow injury that he struggled to recover from.
And yet, Djokovic persisted. And how.
In light of his unexpected Wimbledon win, Novak Djokovic penned an emotional letter, where he talked about winning the title, in the presence of his two children, and the mental hurdles he had to overcome after his elbow injury.
A very busy Daddy Djokovic managed to find some spare time between babysitting his little daughter Tara to write the heartfelt letter!
He started off by talking about how he felt having his kids bear witness to his win and how it was a realisation of his lifelong dream!
Dear Family & Friends,
I am writing this message between nappy change and a dinosaurs book.
I wish to share, with all of you, how it felt to go through the journey of winning Wimbledon 2018.
First of all, let me start by writing that the feeling of having my son in my wife’s arms at the trophy ceremony in the Players box was the most wonderful sensation I have had at any tournament that I have ever won in my career.
“When I became a father, one of my biggest dreams was to have my children present at the stands while I am playing. Let alone winning trophies. That dream came true several days ago.”
Everyone keeps on asking me to describe the feeling. I have said it is unforgettable, special, fulfilling, wonderful, joyful. But most of all, it is Magical! When I thought that moment could not get any better, he shouted “Daddy, Daddy!” That’s when I completely melted. Overwhelmed with emotions. Happy and joyful beyond belief. I am so GRATEFUL to have experienced that.
I have imagined and prayed that one day I would win a Grand Slam trophy in front of my child. Luckily for me, Tara is growing up and I can’t wait for her to see me do the same as I did in front of Stefan. My whole (more or less) was about tennis until I became a father and husband. Everything I did was aimed at tennis success.
Fatherhood has managed to not just change, but ‘evolve’ Djokovic as a person. And he goes on to talk about how his life is now all about finding the perfect balance in his priorities: family and tennis.
“It takes learning and openness to reach that “golden balance” in Life which everyone is in pursuit for. For me it was balance between tennis, priorities and family.”
He did address his right elbow injury from 2017, and the mental hurdles he faced when he tried to get back into the game.
“I didn’t have problems to practice and to enjoy the tennis court but I had mental hurdles when I had to compete.”
Djokovic shares more about the times in the past year when he felt vulnerable and yet, managed to surpass that feeling and become stronger.
I have always respected people that share their most vulnerable moments as their turning points in finding true strength that inspires so many people. I was vulnerable so many times in the last few years. And I am still vulnerable. I am not ashamed of it. In contrary, it makes me more true to myself and others. It allows me to get closer to people. It allows me to “dig deep” and analyze what is truly happening inside of me. When I find that out, I am able to create a strategy to overcome this occurring issue and move on as a stronger, wiser, happier human being.
For the last 2 years, I wasn’t patient with my tennis expectations. I wasn’t wise in strategizing. And I certainly wasn’t clearly hearing my body telling me that there is something serious happening with my elbow.
“I was trying to find solutions somewhere else and solution was always inside of me.”
To get back on track, Djokovic had to make a lot of changes. But faith in his own capabilities and the support of his close ones helped him through it all.
After many changes made with training, racket, team members, I didn’t know if I would be able to get back on the desired level of tennis. Actually, one part of me always believes in my own qualities and capabilities. But there was a lot of doubtful moments where course of action could have gone different ways.
Fortunately, I had help from all the divine forces that guided me to the right direction. Direction that is good for me. The one that will bring me peace and balance. I am aware of the efforts and dedication that many people have invested in me in the last few years in order for me to get back to the level of tennis that gets me a Grand Slam title.
“I would like to extend my greatest appreciation, respect and Love to all of the people that have believed in me and helped me to get to win another Wimbledon trophy.”
I am so Blessed to go through this amazing journey and to be supported by many people around the world.
I love you. I love tennis. I love Life.
Novak
Now isn’t that an the inspirational story of a true winner who overcame all hurdles? Kudos to you, Novak Djokovic for beating the odds!