Novak Djokovic feels “these” young players resemble him in some way

Novak Djokovic feels “these” young players resemble him in some way

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

20-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic is an inspiration to many. He has fans all around the world and is widely respected in the tennis community. He has been on the tour for almost 15 years and has constantly risen up the ranks. He was the most successful player this season and broke records left, right and centre.

He is currently representing Serbia at the 2021 Davis Cup Finals. He has won both his matches at Innsbruck- against Austria and Germany. But Serbia lost to Germany 1-2 in the group stage match and have still not qualified for the quarterfinals.

Djokovic spoke to Serbian journalists, and revealed the players he feels resemble him in some way. He considered attributes like self-belief, passion and devotion. He named Alcaraz and Sinner, and also said Zverev was like him when coming up.

“Naturally, I somehow recognise parts of myself in someone, some characteristics that I had in my youth: confidence, self-belief, a great desire to win, passion and devotion for the sport. I can see these in young (Carlos) Alcaraz, as well as in (Jannik) Sinner, and it was obvious in (Alexander) Zverev when he was coming up,” Djokovic said.

‘The more matches on the big stage, the better you handle yourself the next time you step onto the court’: Djokovic

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Djokovic then added that he can be both temperamental and emotional. He said that most of the skills are acquired through time.

“I can be temperamental and emotional, so I tend to like it when one shows emotion, but on the other hand also knows how to control them and remain composed in the moments that matter,” he said,

“That skill is acquired through time: the more matches on the big stage, the better you handle yourself the next time you step onto the court.”

It is still not sure whether Djokovic will travel to Australia or not in January due to the mandatory vaccination policy. It will be a huge setback if he doesn’t go as he’s one of the favorite to defend his Australian Open crown.

Also read: Novak Djokovic inches closer to another Rafael Nadal record, Federer next in line