Novak Djokovic candidly speaks on self-awareness, on-court behavior

Novak Djokovic recently spoke on the Good Trouble podcast with Nick Kyrgios and acknowledged that he feels ashamed when he breaks racquets on the court. The world No. 1 talked about his motivation and behavior on the court, also mentioning that it is difficult for him not to express his emotions when things get tough.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is experiencing a delicate moment in his career after suffering another unexpected defeat, this time in the Round of 32 at the Rome Open, where he fell to the Chilean 29th seed Alejandro Tabilo in a convincing 2-6, 3-6 loss

Djokovic opens up about on-court behavior and motivation

The 36-year-old tennis player was invited to Kyrgios' podcast to discuss his on-court personality. Djokovic has spent 425 weeks as No. 1 and is the most successful player in Grand Slam and Masters 1000 tournaments, among other records that establish him as the greatest tennis player in history. However, he is still resisted by a portion of the public due to his on-court personality and various conflicts he has faced, from breaking racquets to shouting at the crowd or his box.

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Kyrgios asked his guest about his motivation and behavior on the court, to which Djokovic mentioned that he does not like to make a spectacle of himself by shouting at the box or breaking racquets, but that he has learned to accept himself despite his flaws: "You're always expected to be in your perfect form of tennis, of behavior. You have to show up in good manners. It's not always possible," Novak Djokovic said.

"First time in my career, I wasn't okay with myself breaking racquets and screaming and making a fool out of myself in the court. It doesn't mean that I'm okay with that today. When I do it, I'm ashamed of myself. I really am, I'm embarrassed. And I really hate myself for doing that."

Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in the Wimbledon 2022 final to claim his 21st Grand Slam title.

"But at the same time, what I think the difference is, maybe in the last 7-8 years, is that I accept my flaws. And I accept that I do mistakes and errors, and I try to be a better version of myself the next day," Djokovic added.

Additionally, Djokovic expressed his respect for Kyrgios, considering that the Australian is also capable of recognizing his problems: "And it might not happen, but at least I'm in peace with myself and I'm not embarrassed to say, 'Look, I'm wrong, or I'm flawed,' like you do," Djokovic added.

"And this is what I respect and appreciate about you is that you say, 'Look, I have issues.' Everyone has mental issues, everyone tries to deal with them in the best possible way."

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