“Novak Djokovich answered the French sports edition of L’équipe”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– How was the preparation in Belgrade?
– It was not easy, given what is ahead. The main work is done. There were days when everything went well, and there were some when it was difficult. But that’s normal. I am glad to play the match again. There were few of them this season. I have not even won any … From this point of view, the situation is not perfect. Hope I can play more than one match here. I want to “build” my shape for the main goal on the soil – Rong Garros – and to speak better than the last month with hook.
– Can you tell you more about parting with Andy Marrei?
– I can’t say more than you have already read in our statements. We immediately agreed that it will not be a long -term cooperation. Australia was a test. Then we agreed to work on Indian Wellls and Miami. On the soil season, they decided to look from the tournament to the tournament. And so we came to consent about parting.
There was a feeling that we can no longer give each other more on the court. My attitude to Andy remained the same. Even intensified because I knew him better as a person. He has an outstanding tennis intelligence. Rare championship mentality. He sees the game incredibly. But how to say it, we have not achieved the results we were counting on. Sometimes it turns out, sometimes not. We tried.
– Who will be your trainer?
– Dusan Wemich, the captain of Serbia Women’s Team in Billy Gin King, was already in my team. He will be here with me on Rolan Garros. Boris Bosnayakovich, who was an analyst and assistant in the team, will share with the Dushan responsibilities in the next tournaments. And then let’s look. I do not rush to choose and don’t know if someone else will be around. I’m comfortable with them.
– The last months have seemed difficult. How do you cope with a new step in your career?
– This is a new stage in my life. I try to adapt. I am not used to the fact that you fly in the first round (in Monaco and Madrid). I do not think that in the last 20 years this has happened to me. But I knew that maybe such a moment would come.
It’s hard for me to just sit down and think about everything I have achieved. Of course, I’m proud of it. But I still have the desire to win the most prestigious titles, to win in a big helmet tournaments, to be among the best in the world. That is why I am here in Geneva. Because I want to do everything right and win more trophies. The motivation has not disappeared.
Just during this transition period, I have to understand my body better to do to keep healthy and at the same time be in the best form for the best game in helmet. When I go out to the court, I try to show the maximum, but the helmets remain the pinnacle of our sport.
– You have special connections with Geneva…
– Yes, my family lives here for a long time. My uncle works in Geneva. One of my cousins recently gave birth to a baby, I will see her for the first time. This is one of the main reasons why I am here – I like to spend time with loved ones, with those with whom I grew up, and whom I have not seen for a long time … My wife and children will come on Wednesday. Parents are already here. It will be a family event! We even agree with the organizers to take half of the stadium on my match. (Laughs.)
(The Director of the Tsobanian Gerard tournament intervenes: “You will get 2000 seats!”)
– (Smiles.) This is not enough! (…) It is nice when there is a balance on and outside the court – it helps to reduce stress and just have a good time.
– How do you cope with stress over the years?
– This is part of our profession. As Billy Gin King said is a privilege. This means that what we do makes sense. I always feel the support of loved ones in what I do. Without this, I would not be able to maintain the balance. I know what means to be the winner of the tournament of the great helmet, to be on top. This is a great return. Everything is not as simple and transparent as at the beginning of a career.
My life has changed but for the better. I still feel that my game allows you to fight for titles on helmets. It remains a huge motivation. Of course, now I have more ups and downs. This has been visible for the last year and a half. This is, of course, not the best thing that can be. But such a reality. We need to accept it.
My level may no longer be as stable as before. No, not “possibly”. That’s for sure! I know that. But I also know that I have priorities.
