Novak Djokovic says he has reached the peak of his career by taking a “holistic approach”, leaving nothing to chance.
The 28-year-old Serb put the finishing touches to one of the greatest years in tennis history on Sunday when he swept aside old rival Andy Murray 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the Paris Masters.
The tournament was the final one of the ATP regular season and the victory etched his name in the record books.
The first man to win three Grand Slam titles and six Masters Series titles in the same year, the first man to reach eight out of nine Masters Series finals and the first man to record 14 straight finals in the same year, all en route to a win-loss record of 78-5 — the achievements are phenomenal.
Djokovic, who is now firmly in the mix with Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the label of the greatest player ever, insists that on sheer talent alone he would never have hit such dizzy heights.
“I think there are a few reasons why I have managed to reach my peak at this stage of my career this year,” he said after his defeat of Murray.
“I think in terms of physical and mental ability, I have reached my peak experience?wise. “Of course I did go through certain periods that had more doubts and, you know, I wasn’t as successful. It all served as a great lesson, as a way to improve and to get better. So this season, everything got together.
“I’m a married man, and I’m a father, as well. I think I have a nice balance and serenity in my private life that reflects on the professional life, and vice versa.
“I have this belief that the holistic approach will definitely get the best out of yourself.
“I’m still determined to improve, to get better. Nobody can be perfect, but, you know, if you are going for the perfection, you might reach excellence.
“That’s the kind of mind set I have. Try to work every single day with a purpose.”
It was not always so controlled and driven for the Serb, who had to leave his hometown of Belgrade at an early age to train in Germany and who had to overcome both physical and mental obstacles when he first entered the pro scene.
