Wimbledon winner Djokovic: "When the audience calls 'Roger' I hear 'Novak'!
Novak Djokovic not only won against Roger Federer on Sunday, but also against the majority of the almost 15,000 spectators on Center Court. How did it do it? Through some mental tricks.
by Florian Goosmann from Wimbledon
last edit: Jul 15, 2019, 08:22 am
It was once again a mental feat that Novak Djokovic called for at the heartbeat finale on Wimbledon's Center Court in 2019 . Opponent Roger Federer had scored more points in the 4 hours and 57 minutes (218: 204), had more profit strikes (94:54), had more first and second serves as well as successfully used ... and lost in the end. Because: Djokovic had won the big point, the one in the three tie breaks - and the one at Federers two match balls.
# IMG2 #
In the entire match, it was striking how calm the Djoker remained, at least for the most part. Because the audience was clearly on the side of the Swiss, wanted to carry this to the ninth triumph on Church Road. But Djokovic remained calm after the transformed match ball. "It was a huge relief in the end," he admitted. He promised himself that "I would remain calm and relaxed because I knew that the atmosphere would be what it was."
It is always difficult to play against Federer, "a constant pressure because he is so close to the line. No matter who he plays against, whether a serve comes at 150 miles an hour or at 120, like mine. He blocks very well, anticipates very good, he is so talented. A perfect game for this surface ", Djokovic praised his opponent.
He himself knew that he had to play variably, and was attentive when the opportunity was there. The only problem with the return was, "I had a lot of trouble reading his serve." Most of the time he was on the hind foot, "I defended, he dictated the game. I tried to fight and find a way when it came down to what worked."
Mental training à la Djokovic
One reason for the mental strength: visualization - and to go through the possible scenarios in advance. "I played through the match in spirit before we went on the pitch. Maybe not quite this scenario ..." Djokovic admitted and laughed. But: "I always imagine that I'm the winner. I think that releases a certain amount of power."
In addition to the will, the emotional power is so crucial, "for me it is a constant struggle that concerns me more than what happens outside." It is not the events themselves that are decisive, but the inner experience of how to accept and live through them. "I said before the match that I want to eliminate as much as possible of what is happening outside. And I only live in the present."
This approach and mental stability may have brought him back and fought off the match balls. "You have to keep reminding yourself that there is a reason that you are here - and that you are better than the other." The more blatant the moment, the more you have to keep that in mind and speak to yourself. "Thats how it is for me at least."
Djokovic's trick with the audience
Djokovic also had another trick in his quiver. Because of course the support of the audience would help to draw strength. But if you don't have them on your side, "you have to find them inside." And how? Ignoring is difficult, says Djokovic. However, he tries to convert them. "When the audience calls 'Roger', I hear 'Novak'," Djokovic caused a laugh in the press conference. "I know that may sound silly, but that's the way it is. I'm trying to convince myself that it is."
A kind of mental training? "Of course," explained Djokovic - and after a break from the artist grinned, "It sounds similar - 'Roger' and 'Novak' ..."