Novak Djokovic Reflects on ‘Holistic’ Approach Toward Tennis in Twilight of His Career

Novak Djokovic played the final of this year's Australian Open but couldn't end his Grand Slam title drought.

Novak Djokovic Reflects on ‘Holistic’ Approach Toward Tennis in Twilight of His Career

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/SK)

In Short
  • Novak Djokovic reflects on a holistic approach to tennis as he nears retirement.
  • He emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being in his performance.
  • Djokovic remains motivated by his love for the sport and the challenge of competing.

Novak Djokovic is not in action at the moment. The Monte-Carlo Masters is drawing toward its end, but Nole chose to skip it, and it’s uncertain which clay-court event he plans to play next.

Last year, he played in both Monte Carlo and Madrid, with his campaigns ending in the opening rounds in both events. But he emerged victorious at the Geneva Open, ending his title drought with a three-set victory over Hubert Hurkacz, while at the French Open, eventual runner-up Jannik Sinner ended his run in the semifinals.

Djokovic has reached the twilight of his career and, in the future, if not soon, will join his former rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in the retirement list. He recently sat for an interview with Esquire, during which he reflected on the holistic approach to tennis at this stage of his career.

Over the years, I’ve learnt that mental and emotional well-being is everything. On the court and off the court, it’s the same person. If something is not right inside, it shows in my tennis, there’s no doubt about it. For me, finding that balance came from taking a more holistic approach and accepting that I’m human. I make mistakes, I have weaknesses, and that’s okay. To be strong, courageous, and successful, you also must allow yourself to be vulnerable.

What stops Djokovic from hanging up his racket is his love and passion for tennis. The 38-year-old has conviction in his abilities to compete with the youngsters and gets a lot of enjoyment from challenging them.

When many from the tennis world thought that Djokovic could no longer compete for the Majors, he proved them wrong in this year’s Australian Open. The Serb defied age and downed two-time defending champion Sinner in the semifinal after a five-set battle before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

At this stage of my career, preparation isn’t just about training harder. It’s about training smarter, listening to my body, and making sure I’m at my best physically and mentally so I can compete at the highest level.

Novak Djokovic added

Tennis is still very important to him, but it’s “no longer everything“. Also, the motivation to play comes not only from records but from the process and the challenge of constantly improving himself.

After the Melbourne Slam, the 24-time Major champion competed at the Indian Wells, where defending champion Jack Draper beat him in the fourth round. Djokovic, who last won a title at the 2025 Hellenic Championship, skipped the Miami Open before withdrawing from the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Jannik Sinner joins Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer after reaching the Monte-Carlo Masters final

Jannik Sinner will be competing in the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters for the first time in his career. After dismantling Alexander Zverev for the eighth consecutive time, the four-time Grand Slam champion scheduled his first match of the season against arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner (2)
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/4K JANNIK SINNER)

His victory over Sascha has made the 24-year-old only the fourth man in the history of Masters 1000 events to reach the finals of the Indian Wells Masters, the Miami Open, and the Monte-Carlo Masters, after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Sinner will leave The Principality as the World No.1 player if he beats the defending champion. He lost both the finals to the Spaniards on clay last year (Rome and Paris) and trails 6-10 in the overall head-to-head record against the seven-time Major champion.

Even if Sinner loses, he still will have the golden opportunity to reclaim his spot because Alcaraz gained 4,300 points on clay last year, thanks to his wins in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Paris. In this semifinal match, Alcaraz ended home favorite Valentin Vacherot‘s run.

Also read: Stan Wawrinka Discusses the Future of One-Handed Backhands After his Imminent Retirement