Djokovic’s supernatural secret when he pushes to the limit: “Maybe you won’t believe it…”

The Serb explained how he has managed to come through so many difficult moments in his career

Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic

September 11, 2023

No one works harder than Novak Djokovic in training, no one prepares better for matches, no one is more disciplined when it comes to practice or getting the best out of his game.

It’s part of the reason he’s won 24 Grand Slams, along with his talent and incredible dedication and motivation that does not seem to be wilting with his age.

But sometimes, even someone as great as Djokovic needs something extra, something to get him over the line when his mind starts to question whether his body has anything left. It’s then that he calls on greater forces.

“(I can rely) on God and guardian angels,” Djokovic told Serbian media, after winning his record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open on Sunday night.

“In moments when I don’t feel my legs anymore, when I don’t have any strength left, when the ball is blurry… in those moments, I hope for divine intervention.”

Novak Djokovic is asked what he’s thinking in that moment when he goes down on his knees after winning slam number 24.

“I’m thinking God is great.” ✝️ pic.twitter.com/ir7Yv073FS
— Chris Becker (@chrislbecker) September 11, 2023

“Second set was perhaps the hardest of my life”

Djokovic needed to dig deep against Medvedev, especially in the second set, which lasted one hour, 44 minutes and which saw the Russian push him to the limit with a series of extended rallies. He had a set point too, but couldn’t take it, as Djokovic found the inner strength to get the job done.

“Maybe you won’t believe it, but it’s happened to me many times throughout my career, to the extent that I even surprised myself how I was able to withstand certain situations,” the 36-year-old said.

“I think that was the case today. When you hit the ball over the net 30 times, you don’t see the ball clearly anymore, it’s pure intuition. It’s hard to describe to someone who is not in my shoes, because that’s the last stadium of exhaustion. Second set was perhaps the hardest in my life.”