Novak Djokovic is no stranger to an outburst or breaking a racket on the tennis court, but he really dislikes when that happens and when he fails to control his emotions.
Being emotional on a tennis court is not a bad thing, and quite a few fans enjoy seeing that. It's very relatable on a personal level because we're all emotional human beings, and it just gives a player personality when he does that.
Obviously, it doesn't mean you have to be Marat Safin, but the occasional outburst is probably forgiven by most tennis fans. Djokovic has had quite a few in his life and he actually isn't a fan of that.
He spoke about that to Nick Kyrgios in a special episode of Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast, explaining that while he expected during his career that outbursts will happen, he still doesn't like when they happen.
"You're always expected to be in your perfect form of tennis, of behavior. You have to show up in good manners. It's not always possible. First time in my career, I wasn't okay with myself breaking racquets and screaming and making a fool out of myself in the court."
"It doesn't mean that I'm okay with that today. When I do it, I'm ashamed of myself. I really am, I'm embarrassed. And I really hate myself for doing that."
Quite a few players have made similar statements because it's not really the best look. Nobody likes to see themselves so overtaken with rage that they have to smash a tennis racket to pieces, but it happens.
Daniil Medvedev famously admitted that he wants to stop his own temper tantrums on the tennis court, so this is not a unique sentiment to Djokovic.
The Russian has since admitted that he likely won't stop them because he occasionally just can't stop himself. It happens, which is how Djokovic rationalizes it as well. He admitted that he accepted his flaws and his unpleasant behavior at times.
"But at the same time, what I think the difference is, maybe in the last 7-8 years, is that I accept my flaws. And I accept that I do mistakes and errors, and I try to be a better version of myself the next day."
0 Comments