"I Must Correct You": Djokovic Shatters the Myth Behind His Mental Strength

In a 90-second sequence, Novak Djokovic demolishes the oldest myth in sports: mental strength doesn't fall from the sky.

AFP

Arthur Millot

le 01/12/2025 à 08h43

2 min to read

Djokovic

In just one sentence, Novak Djokovic abruptly stopped the interviewer from "60 Minutes"... and likely millions of athletes convinced that mental strength is reserved for an elite.

The Inner Storm That No One Sees

When asked: "Is your mental strength your greatest gift?", the Serb immediately cuts in: "It's not a gift. It's work. Every day."

He then reveals: "There are different techniques: conscious breathing plays an important role, especially in moments when you are under pressure.

I may seem impassive, but believe me, it's a real storm inside, because the greatest battle always takes place within oneself.

You have your doubts and fears. I feel it in every match. But I don't like this mindset I often see in sports, which is about thinking positive, being optimistic.

There is no room for failure, no room for doubts and that kind of thing. It's impossible.

You are a human being, the difference between those who are capable of being the greatest champions and those who struggle to reach the highest level is the ability not to stay too long in those emotions.

For me, it's relatively short. As soon as I feel it, I acknowledge it, I might get angry, yell on the court, but no matter what, afterward, I am able to bounce back."

An unprecedented statement from a legend who finally reveals what he experiences internally at every break point, every final, every moment when the world thinks he doesn't tremble.