Novak Djokovic: “Printing is a privilege” - or is it?
As part of the Olympic Games, Novak Djokovic also commented on the enormous pressure in competitive sports - possibly a little too hastily.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Aug 02, 2021, 07:40 pm
The subject of “pressure to perform in top-class sport” has been hotly debated not only since the Naomi Osaka case. The Japanese superstar broke off the French Open due to a depressive episode including an anxiety disorder and then withdrew from the lawn major at Wimbledon. Also the appearance at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which should have been the start of a furious comeback, went to pieces.
"Printing is a privilege, my friend", Djokovic was quoted by Reuters last Thursday on the polarizing issue. “Without pressure there would be no professional sport. If you aim to be the best in a sport one day, you better start learning to deal with this pressure and also how to cope with such moments - on the pitch, but also off the pitch. "
Statements are to be reassessed
The 20-time Grand Slam champion also said: “All these background noises - I can't say that I can't see or hear them. Of course they are there. But I've developed a mechanism to deal with them in a way that they won't harm me. You won't wear me down. "
After the precious metals tournament in Tokyo, however, the statements of the world number one have to be reevaluated. After all, “Nole” suffered a sensitive Olympic semi-final defeat against Alexander Zverev just one day after the interview, in which a racket was smashed out of frustration. Subsequently, the man from Belgrade also lost the match for bronze and did not take part in the mixed competition for 3rd place. Official rationale for where there was a shoulder injury.