Djokovic: 'I need more motivation'

In an interview with Eurosport, Novak Djokovic said that his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, often tries to find ways to motivate him.

"I'm human too," Djokovic told Eurosport on November 1st while competing at the Paris Masters. "At this later stage of my career, I need even more motivation than I did five or ten years ago. My life is different now."

Djokovic, at 36, is busy both on and off the court. He has reduced the number of tournaments he plays each year and focuses only on major events, due to the effects of age and his life outside of the sport. Djokovic now dedicates time to his family and business ventures. He admits he is starting to get tired of constantly traveling to participate in tournaments.

"I get very sad whenever I have to leave my family," Nole added. "So, wherever I go, I really want to win. I want the trip to be worthwhile."

Djokovic (right) and coach Ivanisevic during a training session. Photo: RS

Motivation in tournaments doesn't just come from family, but is always renewed. Regarding this, Nole joked that his coach and team often don't find ways to bring out his full potential. "Goran and the rest of the group are trying to find new ways to motivate me. So far, they haven't been very successful," Nole said jokingly.

When he got serious again, Djokovic revealed that Goran Ivanisevic was his childhood idol. Ivanisevic's 2001 Wimbledon victory showed Nole that his dream was entirely achievable. Djokovic said that he and his coach not only had a professional relationship, but were also great friends. "We came up with swear words together in slang to avoid being caught by the umpire," Nole joked.

When asked about his Grand Slam tally, Djokovic said he was happy with his current 24, but people in Serbia wanted more. "They said, 'Why not aim for 25 or 30?'" Djokovic said. "I replied that if things were that easy, it would be great. If 25 came at the beginning of next year, that would be fantastic."

Holding the record for 24 Grand Slam titles, Nole is often seen as someone who can make winning a Grand Slam seem easy. He disagrees with that assessment. "I don't know if it looks easy or not, but I know what it feels like to achieve it," Nole said. "You really have to fight. Sometimes I feel like a cat with nine lives. Every time I enter a Grand Slam, I lose a life."

Besides his record of 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic also holds many other prestigious records, including 39 Masters 1000 titles. He has the opportunity to extend his record of winning the Paris Masters to seven times if he wins this week. Djokovic will face Tallon Griekspoor in the third round, scheduled to take place at 1:30 AM on November 3rd, Hanoi time.

Vy Anh

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