“I’ve proved what I am made of so many times in my career” – Djokovic

Before the French Open, there were many question marks about Novak Djokovic‘s fitness, but the world No 1 endured a four hour and 29 minute battle, outlasting a player fifteen years his junior in Lorenzo Musetti, beating the Italian 7-5 6-7 (6) 2-6 6-3 6-1.

One of the Serbian reporters asked whether this match was a message to people who write Djokovic off. Djokovic used the Serbian word “inat” to describe how he feels. It is a difficult word to translate, but it contains spite and resolution to prove someone wrong and do something against all odds.

“That is the story of my life in a way – I am fueled by ‘inat’ whenever people write me off. It gives me extra motivation and I feel I have proved so many times in my career what I am made of,” said Djokovic.

“But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. To quote Kobe Bryant: ‘Job finished? Job is not finished,'” he continued.

It was almost 4AM, so there was not much time, but one topic that arose was Djokovic’s conversation during the match with his wife Jelena, after she encouraged him with “come on” and “you can do it” at the start of the fourth set.

“Yes, she is my new psychologist. Actually, my old/new psychologist,” Djokovic said jokingly.

“We had a little exchange. There are historic matches, these moments stay with you forever.”

Djokovic is due to face Francisco Cerundolo on Monday in the fourth round.

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