Novak Djokovic expects his opponents to fear him to get a mental edge before match

It is the mentality of Novak Djokovic that makes him so successful and feared among his opponents.

Novak Djokovic expects his opponents to fear him to get a mental edge before match

Novak Djokovic (Image via: Reuters)

Novak Djokovic beat Jannik Sinner to clinch his record seventh ATP Finals. Dominating over the world No.4 on his home turf the Serbian has extended the lead over the other two of the “Big Three”. Federer who was once tied with Nole on seven ATP Finals has now slipped down to second position on the list of winning most ATP Finals.

Nole had a perfect opportunity to avenge his loss to Sinner in group stage and he didn’t disappoint. The Serbian had simply elevated his game in the ATP Finals.

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During their match in the Round-Robin stage of the tournament, Sinner had enjoyed a lot of success by locking Djokovic in the “backhand cage” and making him repeatedly hit backhand cross-court. Djokovic ensured the final would be different by hitting more run-around forehands in the ad court and trading more shots through the deuce court.

The Serbian has lauded both the youngsters in Alcaraz and Sinner. Nole feels that both of them are very talented and promising young players. However, the exhibition of “play to win” mentality shown by the Serb was no match for either of the two.

Asked about this the 24-time Grand Slam winner said:

I want them to feel that kind of pressure. When they play me, I want them to feel that it's going to require the best tennis from them in order to win against me. That's what I want my opponents to feel, no doubt, because that helps mentally coming into match.

Djokovic flaunts his winning mentality after winning his Seventh ATP Finals and setting the records to tumble

This year has been one of the finest in the career of the Serbian. He has won four of the five major tournaments this season besides reaching the finals of the Wimbledon. Nole has become the first man to win every Grand Slam three times in his career.

Novak Djokovic (Image via: Gulf News)

Djokovic has already made his goal clear for next year. In ATP Finals press conference after the win over Sinner, he said:

Well, you can win four Slams and Olympic gold. I have always the highest ambitions and goals.

Moreover, he will return to being World No.1 for the record-breaking 400th week in ATP rankings. This winning track record combined with the winning mentality of the Serb gives him a psychological advantage over his opponents. The Serb said in the post-match interview:

I think the more I win on the biggest stage, the more this kind of aura grows, and I'm glad for it, no doubt.

The Serbian will next be seen in the Davis Cup where he will be leading his nation which is already in the quarterfinals of the tournament. He has reportedly reached Malaga where the remaining matches of the tournament will be played.

Though the Serb usually takes a break after any major tournament, he is not in the mental space to take breaks. With such momentum going on it will not be wrong to say that Nole is eying gold in the upcoming Paris Olympics which is the only thing missing from his illustrated trophy cabinet.