Tursunov reveals: Why Djokovic continues to dominate his rivals © Getty Images Sport/Mike Stobe
Dmitry Tursunov, tennis coach and former ATP professional, recently commented on Novak Djokovic’s outstanding qualities. He emphasizes that Djokovic’s unparalleled motivation and self-discipline set him apart from his rivals.
Experience and fitness are Djokovic’s trump cards
At 36, Djokovic is the oldest player in the top 20 of the ATP rankings and one of only two players over 28, alongside world number 14. Grigor Dimitrov, who is 32.
Djokovic had one of the best seasons of his remarkable career in 2023, with seven titles – six of them at ‘major tournaments’ Djokovic secured three of the four Grand Slam tournaments this year, while winning four of the last six majors.
He was also a finalist at Wimbledon, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set final. The Serb has won 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles in his 30s and has a 12-3 record in major finals since his 30th birthday.
Only Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer have won a major at an older age than Djokovic at the US Open in September.
Tursunov on Djokovic’s strengths
In an interview with Championship, Tursunov praised Djokovic’s motivation and discipline, arguing that these factors still give him an advantage over his rivals.
“No matter how many challengers there are, as long as Novak is in good shape, it will be very difficult to beat him. He not only has experience but also very good physical condition,” said the Russian.
Tursunov highlighted that Djokovic’s ability to maintain his strict diet and training regime even after strenuous matches is a testament to his exceptional self-discipline.
“If someone gives up a piece of chocolate after a five-set semifinal because it contains gluten – and they have decided not to eat it – then there is a very serious self-discipline that no one can compete with.”
Tursunov, who played professionally between 2000 and 2017, won seven ATP singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 20 in the world.
The 41-year-old is currently training the WTA world number 19. Veronika Kudermetova and has previously worked with Aryna Sabalenka, Anett Kontaveit, Emma Raducanu and Belinda Bencic.
2023-12-16 15:18:05
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