“That Puts Me in a Great Mood”: Novak Djokovic Reveals What Keeps Him Going

Serb tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has opened up on what keeps going through punishing tours and schedules, year-in, year-out.

No spring chicken at 33, the 17-time Grand Slam champion has shown exemplary levels of grit and endurance to keep his levels up through demanding seasons and the rigors of modern-day tennis.

In a true testimony of character, class and quality, the Serb recorded his career’s sixth year-end number one finish last year. The feat took Djokovic at par with the legendary Pete Sampras, who, unlike him, did it in six consecutive seasons.

In a brief chat with ASICS Tennis, Djokovic revealed how he starts his day and the source of his incredible mental strength and stamina that helps him battle past tough opponents and encounters.

“Starting the day with a smile, receiving hugs from my kids, doing a few breathing exercises and hopefully, watching the sunrise is something that puts me in a great mood for the day,” Djokovic said.

Quite like the glorious sun that he rises with every day, the Serb has a sunny outlook on life and never loses out on his sense of humor even in the midst of a fierce, edge-of-the-seat encounter.

It’s what got him the nickname ‘Djoker’.

The Serb, who will defend his Australian Open title this year, said that he believed that sports unites people across countries and cultures.

“I believe that sports speaks a universal language. I believe sport has the power to grow communities, to change the world, to unite people.

It speaks the universal language that everybody understands,” the current World Number 1 said.

Djokovic said that he counts himself as lucky and feels incredibly proud that he became a professional athlete.

“I am proud to be a professional athlete and to be part of an inspiring campaign to bring people together as sports in its essence, in general, stands for,” the Serb said.

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Tennis apart, Djokovic runs a foundation which helps unprivileged children in his homeland find a better life.