"I feel the cramps in my stomach before every match" – Novak Djokovic on staying hungry for success

Novak Djokovic will not only go down as one of the best tennis players of all time but also as one of the greatest athletes.

The Serbian has had a phenomenal career that can be matched by very few. At the age of 37, he is still going strong as he looks to add even more to his already steeped legacy in 2025. The former world number one explains how he remains hungry for success.

You can make a rock-solid argument that Djokovic is the best player ever to step foot on a tennis court. He has achieved so much throughout his career, including holding the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles with 24. Along with this, Djokovic has 40 ATP 1000 titles to his name. The legend held the number one ranking for over 400 weeks and has surpassed 1,000 career victories, placing him in elite company.

In 2024, the player from Serbia ended his long wait for a gold medal as he took first place in the men’s singles competition at the Paris Olympics, a significant achievement that showcased his versatility and dominance in different competitions. In 2025, Djokovic is hunting for even more glory.

Throughout the Australian Open, he looked in fine form, reaching the semi-final, but was forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury. Now, he will enter the Qatar Open, aiming for a deep run in the tournament.

With all the success the Serbian has achieved, you would understand if he wasn't as motivated as he was in the early stages of his career. However, Djokovic told reporters how he feels before a match and why that is a good sign.

Despite his numerous accolades, Djokovic remains humble and connected to the essence of the game. He candidly shared with reporters:

"I feel the cramps in my stomach before every match. I'm stressed, I'm nervous, I'm excited."

This admission of vulnerability and humanity endears him to fans and fellow players alike.

"It's a good sign because I still care about doing this, and I feel and I hope that my active career keeps going and also positively affects the overall tennis ecosystem.

"I like to believe that. And hopefully, inspiring younger generations to come and watch tennis, grab a tennis racquet, participate in our sport in any shape or form."

Djokovic is truly a legend of the game, and it will be interesting to see what 2025 has in store for him.