Laurence Elphick asks, what is it about Novak Djokovic that brings him so much success?

Originally, I had planned this piece to be around football and particularly about our forthcoming revered leader, Gareth Southgate, simply because he was raised in Crawley, and I was convinced England would win Euro 2020/1. I will just have to put that on hold for now and hopefully, he is saving himself for the World Cup next year!!

Over the coming months, I plan to bring you the thoughts of what makes a true winner from the array of talented sports men and women throughout our County, so while yours truly goes about seeking the great and the good in the world of sport, for now I thought I would pick a giant from the tennis arena, one that most of us are hardly likely to cross paths with.

Let us begin our journey with what happened a few hours before England lost on penalties…again! Namely, tennis and the record equalling colossus that is Novak Djokovic winning again at Wimbledon. Clearly having the mindset to be the best at what he does, the big hitting Serb has proved time and time again he is a legend, and his results speak for themselves – 20 Grand Slam titles, equalling the record currently held by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Frequently described as a machine who seems to be able to compose himself and up his game at will, Djokovic never seems flustered, out of breath or red faced and I swear he has the same hairstyle that he had when he won his first title, the Australian Open back in 2008. His level of fitness is incredible and his ability to stay at the top of his game is testament to his success. 

He is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in the world and has been at the top for a record total of 325 weeks, where he has also won 84 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) singles titles, including a record nine Australian Open titles and a joint record 36 Masters events which he shares with Rafael Nadal. He is the only player to win all the main titles on the modern ATP Tour – that is, all four Grand Slam tournaments, all nine ATP Masters events, and the ATP Finals. In addition, he is also the first and only player in the Open Era to achieve a double career Grand Slam. 

So, what makes Djokovic a winner? 

He takes risks, practices every day, is always looking for ways to improve, knows his competition and how to be better than them, has faith in his own abilities, never gives up, always remains calm, positive, and focused. Undoubtedly, he also retains a desire for success. But above all, he always visualises winning and being the best. Quite simply, Novak Djokovic, believes in what Novak Djokovic wants to achieve. 

I have always believed sport and business go hand in hand where many aspects of both can be applied equally to each other. Think like Novak and you won’t go too far wrong. 

Now where did I put my tennis racquet!?