Djokovic. "Most of the guys feel a lot of pressure when facing me in best of 5 in a Grand Slam. That's exactly how I want them to feel. It's a good thing that you have that kind of mental edge".
"Novak Djokovic is at the top of his game": Mental health specialist explains what sets World No. 1 apart
Tennis NewsThursday, 26 October 2023 at 11:20
Mental health specialist Brendon Stubbs has explained what sets Novak Djokovic apart, describing him as "at the top of his game."
The 36-year-old has had a hugely successful season, winning three out of four Grand Slams and equaling Margaret Court's record for 24 major titles in the process. He is also likely to end the year as World No. 1, having currently built up a total of 396 weeks in the position.
Meanwhile, Stubbs is a King's College London scholar who has written over 500 publications on mental health and physiotherapy. As a result of his expertise, he has held sessions with some of the world's top tennis players, including Djokovic, Belinda Bencic, and Alex de Minaur.
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Stubbs talks of Novak's "mental edge"
In a recent episode of the Live Well Be Well podcast, Stubbs explained what it was about Djokovic that gave him an "edge" in terms of mentality.
"Novak is at the top of his game, at the peak. It’s really interesting because I’ve spent a lot of time around some of the tennis players this summer and some tournaments previously with elite players.
"If you look at the sort of physical capabilities, speeds, reaction times, the fitness… there’s tiny tiny margins that are different between the top female and male players. But when you sort of get into the crux of the matches, you see the same players consistently going way over," he said.
"Novak has been a great example. It's that sort of mental edge, sort of that confidence and that inner battle or mind control which really does separate the amazing players from the absolute legends,
"It’s great to hear some of his insights around how seriously he takes all of the stuff we’re talking around in terms of looking after his mind, looking after his body, starting the day with meditation, mindfulness and really look at his whole body as one, it’s amazing," he added.
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- FYI: The term 'snub' is a much overused verb by writers of sensationalist rags. [SNUB: rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully]. That is not the definition of what is going on with frequent withdrawals from tournaments.
mandoist16-09-2024 - No offence, Mr. Lloyd, but where have you been the past two years?? How long have you been a tennis fan? This 'article' may be informative for newbies or fair-weather tennis observers but the majority of fans know the root of the multiple issues within WTA. The #1 issue being the subject of health & well-being which has been (or has attempted to be) addressed with the WTA Elitist council members last season. WTA was extremely dismissive of players' concerns and opposed to such a meeting. Eventually giving-in due to publicity and allowed selective players only -- no rep's, no medical personnel, and no team members. The meeting was a farce as WTA soon after that released an even more hectic schedule... with mandatory tourneys! Guess they weren't taking notes?? BTW: There is a lot missing from this piece concerning "withdrawals". No writer has yet taken the jump to get behind the scenes and dig at the problems -- obvious organizational problems. IMO, the top two issues are WTA's lack of proper attention to health & well-being of its Money-Makers; and Financial Greed. Tip to Mr. Lloyd: there is no "snubbing" when these players withdraw. These women have to take such measures as withdrawing from a tourney, and occasional time-off from the circuit, to protect themselves -- because WTA refuses to take any measures at all (although not allowing matches until sunrise is a start). Surely you can do better than point fingers at players. The finger-pointing should be directed entirely at WTA (and ATP). Be a true journalist, Mr. Lloyd, and research them!!mandoist16-09-2024
- Uh-oh.... Now Raducanu is being forced to compete! Let's see who withdraws next... I wonder??mandoist15-09-2024
- And this is such a shock to WTA?? How many times are they (WTA & ATP) going to keep stepping in their own s*** ???mandoist15-09-2024
- They can go down together!mandoist15-09-2024
