Novak Djokovic: Mats Wilander identifies trait that sets Serbian apart as he eyes eighth Wimbledon title

There is one particular trait that sets Novak Djokovic apart from the rest as the Serbian eyes more history at Wimbledon, reckons Eurosport’s Mats Wilander.

In recent years especially, Djokovic has made it his signature to be able to find his best level in the year’s most important matches, despite at times lacking competitive match practice.

That’s been the case again at this edition of Wimbledon, with Djokovic transitioning from clay to grass via just a single exhibition tournament, but being nonetheless able to progress serenely through the draw thus far.

Asked by Barbara Schett how Djokovic manages to balance all the competing demands on his time – which include chasing a 24th major, a family and a raft of off-court requests – Wilander replied: “I have no idea.

“He’s got so many people around him that every minute and every session is organised by somebody else and not him. He has to show up and do the work.

“It’s completely different today to even when you guys [Schett and Laura Robson, both alongside Wilander] played, but obviously when I played.

“So this part I understand. How he can show up mentally for every single match the whole year – that part I do not understand.

“I think that’s why these guys are bringing their families with them, because they need to feel at home and relax, and see their kids, and see their wife, and then ‘two hours, I need two hours to be focused 100%’.

“That’s very different from when we used to play and we travelled alone, same with you guys. [It was] much harder in those days to be mentally focused every single day, I think.”

Speaking after that win over Wawrinka, Djokovic alluded himself to his work ethic, especially on the physical side, that has allowed him to remain competitive at the top end of the game well into his 30s.

“I always have worked a lot on my flexibility, since a young age,” the Serbian said. “I was taught this was extremely important because that’s going to give me longevity.

“Focusing a lot and doing a lot on prevention. Just before I get on the practice court, there’s a lot of work that goes into it, a few hours of work before I actually get to the training court.

“That helps me. It helps extend my career. It helps me still compete at the highest level. It helps me prevent any – God forbid – injuries or anything like that. It’s kind of if you see other players at that age and stage, it’s kind of expected to have a major injury later in your career just because of the wear and tear of the body.

“Luckily for me, I’ve had only one significant injury that kept me out of the circuit for almost a year on and off with the surgery of the elbow.

“Other than that, there were some muscle tears and injuries, but generally, I’ve kept healthy, considering the intensity of my career and the amount of matches I’ve played in the last 20 years.”

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