Novak Djokovic opens up on injury, vulnerability, and his 2018 Wimbledon crown

ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic blows a kiss to crowd

Novak Djokovic has opened up about the ‘vulnerability’ that has made his Wimbledon triumph all the more meaningful to him.

Djokovic endured a tough couple of years as his form gradually declined amid complaints of an elbow injury, before he finally succumbed to the injury and took time away from the tour to correct it.

This year, the Serb initially struggled upon his return before starting to show some signs he was returning to his best at the end of the clay court season, a point punctuated by a strong showing at Roland Garros.

This month, though, Djokovic underlined his return to the top by beating world number one Rafael Nadal en-route to winning Wimbledon and restoring hmself the the top ten in the rankings.

In an open letter on his website, Djokovic addressed his fans on his struggle, saying:  “In 2017, the injury of my right elbow was so severe that I was forced to be out from the Tour for 6 months,” the letter read.

“Injury was one of the issues, the other big one was any motivation. I didn’t have problems to practice and to enjoy the tennis court but I had mental hurdles when I had to compete.

“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.

“For the last 2 years, I wasn’t patient with my tennis expectations. I wasn’t wise in strategising. 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.

“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.

“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.”

You can keep up to date with all the latest tennis news from the ATP Tour on our dedicated page HERE.

Novak Djokovic

Latest