Novak Djokovic has long been one of the best tennis players in history. With 24 Grand Slam titles, he even surpasses Rafael Nadel and Roger Federer – but things could have turned out differently
Novak Djokovic was on the verge of ending his career in 2018. “I played the worst tennis I’ve ever played. I felt miserable on the court and thought: this is the right moment to stop,” Djokovic revealed at the Upfront Summit event in Los Angeles.
A persistent elbow injury caused the Serbian great difficulties at the time, forcing him to call off the 2017 season prematurely. Nevertheless, Djokovic wanted to avoid an operation for a long time “at all costs”, he recalled. It ultimately took until January 2018 for the record Grand Slam winner to change his mind.
“I was always against tablets and painkillers, but at some point it was no longer possible. The pain became too much,” said Djokovic, who slipped into a deep form crisis after the operation. “I lost to players I had never lost to before. I played damn bad tennis and was ready to quit. “
Djokovic: “Physically not in a good mood and mentally tired “
Djokovic then gathered his team and spoke plainly: “I told them that I was starting to distance myself from professional tennis and that it was time for the next chapter. I was physically unwell and mentally tired. “
In the end, however, the 36-year-old managed to “turn the corner quickly with the help of my team” and prevail against all odds. A decision that was absolutely right. With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has now collected even more than Rafael Nadel or Roger Federer
