What makes Novak Djokovic tick?
Few persons are higher outfitted to reply that query than main tennis journalist Jon Wertheim and the acclaimed CBS information broadcast programme identified for its signature stopwatch, 60 MINUTES.
Wertheim, who in January 2020 profiled Rafael Nadal for the American present, spent three days on the bottom in Belgrade in early November. Djokovic, who lately claimed ATP Yr-Finish No. 1 offered by Pepperstone honours for a recording-extending eighth time on the age of 36, was first profiled on 60 MINUTES in 2011.
“That was 12 years and 20 majors in the past,” Wertheim mentioned. “We had already achieved the again story, so we approached this piece with the idea that individuals already knew him. This time we actually wished to get into his thoughts. You’re not going to find out about his childhood such as you did within the first one. We’re centered on the current and the long run.”
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— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) December 9, 2023
Djokovic spent many hours with Wertheim and the crew in Belgrade simply three days after profitable the Rolex Paris Masters and earlier than leaving for Turin, the place he would win a record-setting seventh Nitto ATP Finals crown.
“Within the many occasions I’ve interviewed him I’ve by no means had lengthy conversations like this,” Wertheim mentioned. “I believe it was significant to him and it was totally different, spending an entire day with him. It wasn’t achieved in a locker room or some resort room. I acquired the sensation that he was joyful to point out off the place he’s from. He was very hospitable and a gracious host.
“He’s like no different athlete. He doesn’t assume like another athlete I’ve been round; he doesn’t conduct himself like another athlete. He’s an unbelievable athlete bodily, however with Novak you realise how psychological tennis is. He’s been in so many tight matches, so many finals, performed in entrance of booing crowds. You realise how a lot success builds success and confidence builds confidence.
“There’s a variety of self-belief whenever you’ve come by all that to win 24 majors and the opposite man throughout the web continues to be searching for his first.”
Rivalries Of 2023: Djokovic vs. Alcaraz
Wertheim requested Djokovic if the present model of himself would beat the Novak Djokovic of 2011, a yr during which he gained three majors, 5 ATP Masters 1000s and 10 titles in all.
“He mentioned that at 36 he would beat the 24-year-old Novak of 2011. He may be capable of run sooner, however expertise and the arrogance of getting come by so many conditions would allow him to beat the participant who was 12 years youthful.”
After Djokovic hoisted seven trophies this season, together with three majors, two Masters 1000s and the Nitto ATP Finals crown, the 98-time tour-level titlist instructed Wertheim that retirement was nowhere in his instant plans.
“He mentioned one thing to the impact of, ‘When the younger guys begin kicking my butt it is going to be time to reassess, however that’s not occurring but.”
The story airs Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 PM, ET/PT after the soccer sport on CBS. It’s going to additionally stream on Paramount+.