'Analyzed & Judged By Millions': Djokovic Puts Emphasis On Mental Health

Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 13:45

byEvita Mueller

Novak Djokovic emphasized the importance of mental health following his latest US Open win over Bernabe Zapata Miralles.

Djokovic extended his winning streak by beating Bernabe Zapata Miralles in straight sets, and after the win, the Serbian talked about the importance of mental health. Djokovic always promoted healthy living and sometimes went too far with his unconventional methods.

Mental health has always been front and centre in his career as he meditates regularly crediting the practice as vital for his success. Keeping a balance was always very important for Djokovic and for the most part, he was able to do so.

It's important to find a balance, especially for an athlete. You know, athletes are, especially the athletes in global sports, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, you know, golf, these sports are, you know, followed around the world, and whatever you say, however, you behave is monitored and analyzed and judged, positive or negative way, by millions of people.

— Djokovic on maintaining balance<br>

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Things have not always been perfect for Djokovic, as it's an ongoing process. From his own experiences, he knows how the mental side can hurt you if it's not right. The deportation from Australia saw him vilified online, and it was tough to deal with. He called it one of the most difficult times in his life, and it impacted everything in his life.

If an athlete is not really paying too much attention on mental side of things, you know, it can really hurt you. The comments and everything, right? So mental health is important. I think it's equally as important as physical health.

I'm really glad that there has been more talks about that, more conversations in the last few years. Really glad to hear that. I think we have to collectively pay more attention to that so that we also help each other and athletes and us as a whole ecosystem to thrive and use this evolution as an advantage rather than something that can take us down.