“I just really like how he’s constantly wanting to learn more,” F1 ace draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic remains a top dog in tennis at the age of 37.

“I just really like how he’s constantly wanting to learn more,” F1 ace draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and George Russell (Via Imago)

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic defies sports boundaries when it comes to inspiration. Regardless of whether they are footballers or NBA players, the Serbian has been a pivotal figure in the success of many athletes.

One of those people appears to be Mercedes Formula One driver, George Russell. The British driver has been inspired by the Belgrade native’s longevity in the game and hopes to learn the mental aspects of the game from him.

YouTube video
I bumped into him at the gym, and we walked home together. 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.
George Russell said to Reuters (H/T: Tennis365)

Russell’s team will undergo some transformation in the next 12 months as his teammate Lewis Hamilton will move to Ferrari next season. The 26-year-old British driver has said that Djokovic wants to learn about motor racing and plans to attend a grand prix soon.

FS Video
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. 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.
George Russell added

Djokovic loves F1 and was seen with Carlos Sainz in Monte Carlo earlier this year. Russell went to Wimbledon with his girlfriend this month, where he saw his idol lose in the final to Carlos Alcaraz.

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Novak Djokovic’s 2024 has been below par by his standards

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is enduring his worst start to a tennis season since 2005. For the first time in almost two decades, he heads into August without adding a single ATP title to his cabinet.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

Despite winning 98 career singles titles in a trophy-laden career, the Serbian has made only one final so far in 2024. That came at Wimbledon one week ago, where he was defeated in straight sets by defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Before his fortnight at SW19, Djokovic had a record of 0-3 in the semifinals. The Serbian lost in the last four of the Australian Open, where he was the defending champion. He lost to Jannik Sinner in four sets, who eventually went on to win his first Grand Slam title.

Djokovic has also seen his Roland Garros title taken away from him by Alcaraz in June. The right-hander had to withdraw from his quarterfinal against Casper Ruud due to a torn meniscus. The 37-year-old did make a last-minute entry at Wimbledon after a dramatic recovery from knee surgery, where he made his first final of the season.

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