In 2018, a pivotal moment in Novak Djokovic’s career unfolded as he contemplated quitting tennis. His decision was influenced by several factors, including his ongoing elbow problem and disheartening first-round losses to Taro Daniel and Benoit Paire in consecutive events in Indian Wells and Miami. It seemed like the fire that had driven Djokovic’s remarkable tennis journey had been extinguished.
In a candid revelation during an interview with the show In Depth with Graham Bensinger in 2020, Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, shed light on this critical juncture in the tennis legend’s life. She recounted how Djokovic confided in her, expressing his intention to quit the sport.
- “He said to me that he’s quitting. That’s the truth,” she disclosed. “He lost in Miami. It was a terrible loss, and then he just gathered all of us and said, ‘Guys, I am done.’ I was like, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Yeah.'”
Djokovic’s determination to step away from tennis was so profound that he instructed his manager, Edoardo Artaldi, to inform his sponsors that his tennis career was over. Jelena continued,
- “Then he said Eduardo, you can speak with my sponsors. I want to be clear with them. I don’t know if I am stopping for six months, a year, or forever. Just tell them if they feel like staying around they can. If they don’t, I’m happy. I just want to make sure everybody is okay with this.”
This revelation left Jelena and their loved ones in disbelief. They couldn’t fathom the idea of Djokovic, a tennis icon, leaving the sport. Despite the emotional turmoil, Djokovic’s decision marked a turning point in his career.
After announcing his hiatus, Djokovic took a much-needed break with his family. During this period, he distanced himself from tennis entirely. However, the love for the sport still lingered in his heart. Jelena recounted the moment when Djokovic’s perspective shifted.
- “It was crazy how we went on a holiday together, and when he decides he doesn’t want to play tennis, he doesn’t want to see tennis or have anything to do with tennis,” she recalled.
But during their vacation, Djokovic witnessed his wife and children enjoying the game.
- “I love tennis and kept taking the kids with me to play tennis, and then he showed up the third and fourth day and saw me with this old tennis machine playing with Stefan,” Jelena explained. “He saw how much we were having fun and how much we were enjoying being on the court.”
Slowly but surely, Djokovic’s passion for tennis reignited. Despite a challenging year that included surgery and a rushed return to the sport, he made an astonishing comeback. Djokovic silenced his doubters by capturing titles at Wimbledon and the US Open in the latter half of 2018. This resurgence marked the beginning of a new chapter in his storied career.
Over the years, Djokovic has continued to excel, solidifying his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His recent Grand Slam victories have positioned him as a frontrunner for this coveted title. Despite questions about why he continues to compete at the highest level, Djokovic’s motivation remains unwavering.
In the words of Djokovic himself:
- “I’m going to keep going. You know, I feel good in my own body. I still feel I’ve got the support of my environment, of my team, of my family.”
The pursuit of Grand Slam glory remains his driving force. Djokovic prioritizes his preparation for these major tournaments, and his remarkable achievements underscore his enduring commitment to the sport.
As Djokovic reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the occasional self-doubt. “Yeah, occasionally I ask myself, ‘Why do I need this still at this stage after all I have done, you know? How long do I want to keep going?’ I do have these questions in my head, of course,” he admitted.
However, the allure of competing at the pinnacle of tennis, his unwavering dedication, and his consistent success continue to fuel his passion for the sport.
In conclusion, Novak Djokovic’s decision to quit tennis in 2018 marked a critical juncture in his career. Fueled by multiple factors, including his health and early setbacks, Djokovic contemplated walking away from the sport he had dominated for years.
However, a family vacation and the love for the game reignited his passion, leading to a remarkable resurgence. Djokovic’s unwavering motivation, despite occasional self-doubt, drives him to continue competing at the highest level, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players in history.
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