Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has admitted to being in a 15-year relationship… with a tree.
Djokovic, who is eyeing his 11th Australian Open title, credits this secret love affair with helping him dominate at the prestigious tournament. The world number one has won all ten of his finals on the Rod Laver Arena, including four against Andy Murray and a victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas last year.
So, what's the secret to his success? It turns out that Djokovic has a superstitious connection with a tree located in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. The Serbian tennis ace visits this special sapling between matches to unwind and reconnect with nature.
The Tree That Holds the Key to Success
Djokovic, who follows a plant-based diet, likes to ground himself and spend time with his "old friend" in the Botanic Gardens. The world champion even revealed that he started climbing the tree years ago, attracted to its roots, trunks, and branches. He considers this connection with nature to be an essential part of his routine during the Australian Open.
Speaking about his special friendship, Djokovic said, "That particular tree, I cannot reveal which one, I'll try to keep it discreet for myself when I'm there to have my own time. I just have a connection with it."
The Power of Familiar Places
Aside from his bond with the tree, Djokovic also likes to visit places that have brought him luck and made him feel good. He mentioned the nearby Botanic Gardens as one of his favorite parks to spend time alone in nature, including hugging and climbing trees. This routine has been a part of his life for the past 15 years, and while he can't say for certain if it's the secret to his success, it has undeniably made him feel good.
Djokovic's Relationship with Fans
While Djokovic's love affair with the tree has brought him solace, his relationship with fans during the 2024 Australian Open has been more contentious. In his opening two rounds, he faced rows with supporters, including an incident where he confronted a heckling fan. Commentator Nick Kyrgios even offered to intervene and settle the matter WWE-style.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic, who is married to his high-school sweetheart Jelena since 2014 and has two children, will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the fourth round of the tournament. The Serbian trailblazer is aiming to win his 11th Australian Open title and his 25th Grand Slam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is it for you to compete at junior tournaments if you want a career as a professional tennis player?
A junior tournament is a key step to a successful tennis career. These tournaments provide young athletes with the opportunity to test their skills against their peers, gain valuable match experience, and learn to cope with the psychological demands of competitive play. Junior tournaments also serve as a stepping stone to higher-level competitions and can significantly impact a player’s ranking, visibility to coaches and sponsors, and their overall development as a player.
What kind of team support does a tennis star need?
Tennis players need a solid support team in order to perform at their best. The team includes, for example, a head tennis coach to oversee technical and training development, fitness trainers for physical preparation, a physiotherapist/medical professional to prevent and manage injuries, sports psychologists for mental coaching, and nutritionists to give advice on diet. A hitting partner, a manager or agent, and sometimes a stringer can also be part of the team, ensuring the player can solely focus on their game.
Can someone play tennis late and become a professional player?
While it is more challenging, it is not impossible for someone to start playing tennis at a later age and still achieve professional status. The individual’s ability to play tennis, their work ethic and dedication, as well as the access they have to coaching and competition, will determine whether or not they are successful. The path to professional status may be more difficult for late starters, as they will have to focus on intensive and focused training.
How does mental and psycho-social training affect tennis training?
Tennis players need to be trained in mental and emotional training just as much as they do physical training. Players must learn stress management, how to maintain focus and how to deal with emotional highs and lowers during competition. Common techniques include visualization, goal setting, and mental rehearsals. A sports psychologist helps players to build resilience, develop strategies for dealing with pressure and raise their mental game.
When should a football player start to train in order to become a professional?
While there is no set age to begin training for professional tennis, starting at a young age does provide an advantage. Many professional players begin training between the ages of 4 and 7. Early development allows players a foundation of coordination, technique, and skills. To foster a passion and love of the game, it is important to balance training with normal childhood development.
Statistics
- Top tennis players typically train for 4 to 6 hours per day, divided between on-court practice and fitness training.
- Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player’s tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.
- On average, it’s estimated that only 1 in 5000 high-level junior tennis players will develop into internationally ranked professionals.
- Statistical trends indicate that top tennis players usually have at least 5 people in their support team, including coaches, fitness trainers, and physiotherapists.
- Nutritionists report that a tennis player’s diet should consist of about 55-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 20-25% fats during intense training periods.
External Links
tenniscompanion.org
optimumtennis.net
topendsports.com
tennisfitness.com
wilsontennis.com
How To
How to Plan your Nutrition for Tennis Training
Planning your nutrition for tennis training is critical to support your energy levels and recovery. Incorporate whole grains and fruits and vegetables into your diet for energy. Include chicken, legumes, and fish as lean sources of protein to assist in muscle repair. Nuts, seeds and avocados are rich in healthy fats that contribute to your overall health. Drink water all day long, increasing your intake before, during and after practices. To promote muscle recovery, you should prioritize post-training recuperation with a nutritious meal or snack.
