CNN
–
For nearly two decades, we’ve grown accustomed to Novak Djokovic winning Grand Slams. But watching the world No. 1 cry on the floor as he celebrated his Australian Open win with his family and team. He would later say that he “collapsed emotionally.”
Sunday’s straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Melbourne was historic. It was his 10th Australian Open, making Djokovic only the second man to win more than 10 titles in a single Slam, and a 22nd Grand Slam, a men’s record for major wins that he now shares with Rafael Nadal. The victory also returned him to the world No. 1 spot for a record-extending 374 weeks.
Even as he returned to his seat on court for the trophy presentation, Djokovic hid his face in a towel, television cameras picking up the sound of his incessant sobbing.
But speaking to reporters after her victory, she explained that the outpouring of emotion was not just a reaction to her achievement but also to what she had to deal with in the last few weeks.
The 35-year-old said at his news conference: “Of course, when I went to my box, I think there was an emotional collapse and tears especially with my mother and my brother, when I saw them. Hugs, because at that moment I wasn’t allowing myself, I guess, to be distracted by things that were happening off the court or whatever was going on to deal with the injury, as well. , it could have easily been a big mess in my attention, my game.
“It takes a tremendous amount of mental energy to really be present, to stay focused, to push things day by day, and to really see how far I can go.”
Last year, Djokovic was unable to defend his title after being deported from the country due to his Covid-19 vaccination status. At Melbourne Park this year, he suffered a hamstring injury and had to deal with the aftermath of his father Srijan being filmed with a group of Russian supporters at the Australian Open, which Djokovic called “very mental and emotional.” Needs .energy” to stay focused on tennis.
His father was not present in the players’ box for the final, a situation Djokovic said saddened them both.
“I thought things would calm down in terms of the media and everything, but it didn’t,” Sarab said.
“We both agreed that it would probably be better if he wasn’t there. It hurts me and him so much because these are very special, unique moments. Who knows if they repeat again.
“So it was not easy for him. I saw him after the match. Yes, he was not feeling his best, let’s say, although he was very happy to hug me and of course with everything.
“I could see he was a little sad. Look, this is what it is. I think what he told me in the end is that it’s important that I feel good on the court, that I win matches, and that he’s here for me.
“If the result of the match is that it’s better for me that he’s not in the box, then so be it. It was all talk.
“In a way, I’m also sad that he wasn’t there, in the stands. But he was in the whole tournament, so that’s fine. Finally, we have a happy ending. ”
Djokovic revealed that his injury meant he was not optimistic going into the year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, saying “it’s just a matter of surviving each match, trying to take it to the next round.” is.”
His coach Goran Ivanisevic told reporters that Djokovic had “77 therapies a day” to try to fix the hamstring problem that had put his participation in doubt.
“Let me put it this way. I don’t say 100%, but 97% of the players, on Saturday when you get the MRI results, you go straight to the referee’s office and out of the tournament. But not him,” Ivanisevic said.
“He’s from another space. His brain is working differently. I’ve been with him for four years, but it’s still how his mind works sometimes. He gave everything. 77 remedies a day. Every day was better and better. I didn’t expect that. Honestly, I was surprised. ”
After the fourth round, Djokovic said, his leg started to feel better and he started playing his best tennis.
Now tied with Nadal on the men’s all-time list for Grand Slams, Djokovic said he was “motivated to win as many Slams as possible.”
“I really don’t want to stop here. I don’t intend to stop here,” he said. “I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I feel good physically, mentally, I have a chance to win any Slam against anybody.
“I don’t know how many more years I’m going to play or how many more Slams I’m going to play. It depends on various things. It doesn’t just depend on my body.
“I think it’s very important for me, of course, to have support and love from the people closest to me first, and the ability to go and play and keep a balance with a personal life, but also to have mental clarity. is Or – how should I say – desires to really try to chase these trophies.
“Physically, I can keep myself fit. Of course, 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is. But I still feel that I have time ahead of me. Let’s see how far I go. ”
