F1 star takes tips from Novak Djokovic, hopes to emulate his longevity
Formula 1 driver George Russell believes that he can learn from Novak Djokovic when it comes to the mental aspects of elite sport.
Russell ran into Djokovic at the gym and got to chatting with him on the walk home.
The Mercedes driver wouldn’t reveal exactly what was shared but he feels he can learn a lot from a man who pushes the boundaries of a sport.
“I bumped into him at the gym, and we walked home together,” Russell told Reuters.
“We’ve shared ideas together, and he’s been really open with me with things he’s trying and what’s working for him. We’re just talking, many different ideas. Physical and mental.
“I don’t want to share too much because they are private conversations, but I just really like how he’s constantly wanting to learn more and that inspires me to learn more about myself, what works for me, what works for them and pushing the boundaries.”
Russell added that he hopes that he will be able to maintain his fitness and wellness as long as Djokovic has managed.
“There’s a lot that he knows that I won’t and vice versa, and you’ve got to take all these ideas from the best in each profession and see what you can take for yourself,” he said.
“I feel fit, healthy and in a great place right now at the age of 26 but I need to make sure that I’m fit, healthy and as motivated in 10 years’ time, 15 years’ time, who knows, 20 years’ time.
“I’m trying to put in work now.”
Djokovic has no intentions of retiring any time soon and has declared that he intends to return to Wimbledon next year after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final this term.
In recent years, Djokovic has changed his schedule to favour Grand Slam events, giving himself a much lighter workload in between the Majors.
“I don’t have anything else in my thoughts right now that this is my last Wimbledon.” Djokovic said after his loss to Alcaraz.
“I really want to play at least whatever. I don’t know. I don’t have any limitations in my mind. I still want to keep going and play as long as I feel like I can play at this high level.”
Djokovic has now switched his focus to being ready for Paris 2024 which might be his last shot at claiming an Olympic gold medal.
The 4 players to complete a career Golden Slam as Novak Djokovic seeks to join Rafael Nadal on list
