Djokovic: 'I need more motivation'

In an interview with Eurosport, Novak Djokovic said that coach Goran Ivanisevic often tries to find new ways to motivate him.

"I'm a human being," Djokovic told Eurosport on November 1 while playing the Paris Masters. "In the later stages of my career, I need even more motivation than I needed five or 10 years ago. My life is different now."

Djokovic, 36, is busy both on and off the court. He has reduced the number of tournaments he plays each year and focused on the big events, due to the effects of age and life outside the court. Djokovic now spends time with his family and business activities. He admits he is starting to tire of the constant travel to attend tournaments.

"I'm sad every time I have to leave my family," Nole added. "So wherever I go, I really want to win. I want it to be worth the trip."

Djokovic (right) and coach Ivanisevic during a training session. Photo: RS

Motivation in tournaments does not only come from family, but is always renewed. On this, Nole jokes that the coach and the team often do not find a way to maximize his potential. "Goran and the rest of the team are trying to find new ways to motivate me. So far, they have not been very successful," Nole joked.

When he got serious again, Djokovic revealed that Goran Ivanisevic was his childhood idol. His 2001 Wimbledon title showed Nole that his dream could come true. Djokovic said that he and his coach not only had a professional relationship, but were also great friends. "We came up with slang words together, to avoid being caught by the umpire," Nole joked.

Asked about his number of Grand Slams, Djokovic said he was happy with his current number of 24, but that people in Serbia wanted more. "They said why not try for 25 or 30," Djokovic said. "I said if it was that easy, that would be great. If 25 comes early next year, that would be great."

With a record 24 Grand Slam titles, Nole is seen as someone who makes winning a Grand Slam look easy. He disagrees. "I don't know if it looks easy, but I know how it feels," Nole said. "You really have to fight. Sometimes I feel like a cat with nine lives. Every time I play a Grand Slam, I lose one life."

In addition to his record of 24 Grand Slams, Djokovic also holds many other prestigious records, including 39 Masters 1000s. He has the opportunity to extend his record of winning the Paris Masters to seven times, if he wins this week. Djokovic will meet Tallon Griekspoor in the third round, scheduled to take place at 1:30 a.m. on November 3, Hanoi time.

Vy Anh

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