Imaz spent almost a decade with Novak, with Marko Djokovic linking them.
Novak sending a kiss to Nick Kyrgios after a CRAZY point 😭
(🎥 @AustraliaOpen)pic.twitter.com/9S7pzpGuvq
— We are tennis (@WeAreTennis) January 23, 2024
The guru was allowed to sit up front to observe a player whose greatness extended far beyond strokes and trophies. What stood out most was Djokovic’s relentless desire to grow as a competitor and as a person.
His curiosity, openness and generosity defined their interactions, even after exhausting competitions or training. They rejected authority and ego and built their relationship on mutual respect and ongoing dialogue.
The experience reinforced a truth shared by almost every elite player: tennis at the highest level is primarily a mental battle, requiring incredible inner strength and faith.
Novak’s success was never about physical preparation or technical perfection. He had that, but his main rivals did not lack those elements either.
The Serbian did his best to look inward and understand himself, embracing learning and mastering the invisible side of the sport. That mentality, quietly cultivated for years on tennis’ biggest stages and in moments of solitude, became one of the most powerful foundations of his incredible career.
In the season in which he turns 39, Djokovic is only looking ahead. World No. 4 is preparing for another strong run in 2026 after four major semi-finals in the season behind us.
He hopes to avoid physical problems and challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on the most striking scene. Despite achieving everything, the Belgrade native still wants to extend his journey and unique legacy.
“I didn’t do anything special with Novak. I just shared things that had been useful to me, and he did the work. Novak is an exceptional human being, with an impressive desire to learn and improve, and an extraordinary generosity.
I don’t think there is one player who will tell you that the mental aspect is less than 70% of the game. Novak could spend four hours on the field, but every time he spoke to me with respect, never with a reprimand,” Pepe Imaz said.
#human #side #Novak #Djokovic