Monday, July 23, 2018

Djokovic Shows a Softer, More Family-Oriented Side

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Novak Djokovic won Wimbledon again just a little over one week ago. One thing that I always have admired about him is that he has far more substance than a lot of people give him credit for. How can anyone forget his impressions of other tennis players way back in around 2007 or 2008, when he was just emerging as a tennis star?

More impressively, I remember he posted a quote following the tremendously disappointing loss at the French Open final in 2015. For whatever the reason, although I thought I had preserved it somewhere, it was nowhere to be found. But given how crushing that loss must have been as, at the time, it had prevented him from achieving the career Grand Slam (which he would finally cement one year later), posting such a quote showed some unbelievable inner strength and resolve, and a character that is about much more than being a mindless jock, or hopelessly fixated on tennis or money or whatever.

Indeed, Djokovic has always shown a very human side, which made him all the more likable to me. He did it again after the final match, when he captured his fourth overall Wimbledon title, and his 13th overall Grand Slam title, although also his first in over two years. He took a moment to talk about just how wonderful it felt to be able to experience this with his family - particularly his children - being present. It is a heartfelt moment that shows a glimpse at the man of substance, and not just the tennis legend.


Take a look:





djokernole[Part 1] Dear Family and Friends,  I am writing this message between nappy change and a dinosaurs 🦕 book.  I wish to share, with all of you, how it felt to go through the journey of winning Wimbledon 2018.  First of all, let me start by writing that the feeling of having my son in my wife’s arms at the trophy ceremony in the Player’s box was the most wonderful sensation I have had at any tournament that I have ever won in my career.  When I became a father, one of my biggest dreams was to have my children present at the stands while I am playing. Let alone winning trophies. That dream came true several days ago. Everyone keeps on asking me to describe the feeling. I have said it is unforgettable, special, fulfilling, wonderful, joyful. But most of all, it is magical! When I thought that moment could not get any better, he shouted “Daddy, Daddy!“. That’s when I completely melted. Overwhelmed with emotions. Happy and joyful beyond belief. I am so GRATEFUL to have experienced that.  I have imagined and prayed that one day I would win a Grand Slam trophy in front of my child. Luckily for me, Tara is growing up and I can’t wait for her to see me do the same as I did in front of Stefan. My whole (more or less) was about tennis until I became a father and husband. Everything I did was aimed at tennis success.  When I became father and husband, my “world” evolved. It didn’t change, it evolved into something more beautiful. Of course, more responsibilities add up but at the end of the day, it unlocks a new dimension of Love and Energy inside of you that you never knew existed. And the biggest gift that you receive from God is the enhanced feeling of empathy, compassion and devotion to your kids. But it’s not all clear once you become a father. It takes learning and openness to reach that “golden balance” in Life which everyone is in pursuit for. For me it was balance between tennis, priorities and family. My wife was so helpful and supportive all the way since she gave birth to both Stefan and Tara. She always took time to discuss whatever bothered me and to help me find a way where I can feel like I am giving my best at home with kids and her and at the tennis court.


Taken from Novak Djokovic's Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlbXpbqA7i0/?utm_source=ig_embed

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