Tennis Today: Novak Djokovic reveals just how close he came to quitting tennis for good

Michael Graham 21 Dec 2018 11:31 AM

Novak Djokovic dejected

In Tennis Today, Novak Djokovic speaks of his ‘dark place’ and how close it came to driving him to retirement, and Naomi Osaka has a bad hair day.

What’s on the site
Let’s kick you off with a great feature: How many huge names have started out by winning the Orange Bowl juniors title? The list may well surprise you.

Speaking of the lesser-known tournaments, a review panel has recommended limiting the data and live streaming of lower-tier events to be the best way to combat match-fixing. It makes for interesting reading.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has been reviewing his season and decided it went pretty well, all things considered.

Dominic Thiem, though, has told Nadal to enjoy it while he can, because a changing of the guard in men’s tennis is coming.

Finally, ever wanted to see Andy Murray in a hula-hoop competition with his mother? Of course you have. Feast your eyes.

What’s in the news
Novak Djokovic has opened up about how close he came to quitting tennis during his ‘dark’ time.

The newly restored world number one has been absolutely dominant in the second half of 2018, claiming two Grand Slams along the way.

However, it was very different back in 2016, when he was on the wrong end of a Wimbledon shock, an Olympics humiliation, and a US Open final defeat.

“I was in quite a dark place,” Djokovic told ShortList.

“I lost in two tournaments in the first round, and, mentally, I was questioning whether I wanted to play tennis.”

“It feels like the walls are closing in on you and you feel suffocated.

“I felt like I had to get back to nature to reconnect.

“I went on holiday with my family and, one day, while I was having a snooze on the beach, I suddenly felt a new wave of energy coming in and I reset.

“It really was as simple as that.”

What’s on social media

Naomi Osaka had a bad hair day.

View this post on Instagram

How’s it going? The fact that my hair has a poof one on side is bothering me. How about you?

A post shared by Naomi Osaka 大坂なおみ (@naomiosakatennis) on Dec 20, 2018 at 4:10am PST

Milos Raonic dons a tennis -themed Christmas jumper.

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Ace in your face! Thank you @nbtennis and @newbalance for the best “ugly Christmas sweater”

A post shared by Milos Raonic (@mraonic) on Dec 20, 2018 at 8:30am PST

Serena Williams felt reflective. Possibly.

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When they ask me how last year was @mubadalatennis. Dec 27, Abu Dhabi, see you there! #MWTC

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Dec 20, 2018 at 12:04pm PST