World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has listed commitment, discipline and devotion as one of the key factors to achieving success.
Djokovic, 34, is one of the most accomplished players in tennis history as he is a 20-time Grand Slam champion and also holds the record for the most weeks spent as the world No. 1.
“There’s so many different factors that effect the outcome that you see and the performance on the court. But the discipline needs to always be present,” Djokovic said, per the ATP website. “Before discipline, I would say it’s commitment and devotion. If you’re not committed and devoted, then you’re not going to have as much discipline that is necessary.
“But even before that is, obviously, what drives you: Why are you playing? And for me, I try to always draw the strength from the love and passion for the game.”
Djokovic: I could have stopped long ago if I wanted
Djokovic will be turning 35 next month and it’s not a secret that he doesn’t have many more years left on the tour.
However, he is still working hard and giving his best to put himself in the best possible position to succeed.
Also, Djokovic reveals he still has a hard time accepting losing big matches.
“I choose to play,” he said. “No one is forcing me to play. I’ve done enough in my career that I could stop today. But I still feel motivated and inspired. I love to play in front of people, of course here in Serbia is a unique opportunity for me, and those kind of unique occasions feed me with good energy. I love being here and I love competing.
“I also, as weird as it sounds, I love being devastated by losing big matches. Because I know that means that I care about winning and being able to compete with the best players in the world.”