Novak Djokovic’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a staggering 23 Grand Slam singles titles, countless records, and a relentless work ethic, Djokovic stands as one of the greatest tennis players in history. But despite his unparalleled success, there was a time when Djokovic himself questioned whether he could continue. This difficult period in his career was triggered by a painful loss in 2018, a moment so devastating that it led him to seriously contemplate retirement. Now, years later, Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, has shared a shocking story that highlights just how close the Serbian legend came to walking away from the sport.
In a recent interview, Jelena Djokovic opened up about a pivotal moment in their lives when Novak, after suffering an agonizing defeat, made an emotional declaration to those closest to him. She revealed that after a loss in 2018, Novak gathered his family and said, “I’m done.” This startling admission sheds light on the mental and emotional toll the sport took on Djokovic during that period and how he overcame it to return to the pinnacle of tennis.
Let’s delve into this remarkable story, the events that led up to Novak’s “retirement” moment, and how it ultimately shaped the course of his career.
### The 2018 Struggles: A Year of Setbacks
To fully understand the gravity of Novak Djokovic’s 2018 struggles, it’s important to remember that it was a season marked by frustration and personal turmoil. For a player who had dominated men’s tennis for years, the 2017 season was a disaster in many ways. Djokovic, who had been plagued by injuries, including a troublesome elbow issue, found himself in an unfamiliar situation: he was no longer the undisputed number one player in the world.
In early 2018, Djokovic had yet to return to his best form, and his results were inconsistent. A significant loss came at the 2018 Australian Open when he was ousted in the fourth round by the unseeded South Korean player Hyeon Chung. This was particularly disappointing given that Djokovic had previously dominated the Australian Open, having won six titles there by that point. The loss, combined with the lingering injuries, left Djokovic feeling defeated, mentally exhausted, and questioning his future in the sport.
It wasn’t just about the physical strain. Djokovic was also battling personal doubts about whether he could continue playing at the elite level that had earned him a place among tennis royalty. He had already spent many years at the top, chasing records and enduring the intense pressure that comes with being one of the best. The burden of it all was beginning to take its toll, and it wasn’t long before Djokovic began to consider the possibility of walking away from the game entirely.
### The Shocking Moment: “I’m Done”
During this period of uncertainty, Djokovic’s family and inner circle played a pivotal role in helping him navigate the emotional storm. One of the most telling moments came after his painful loss at the 2018 Australian Open, when Novak gathered his family and made an incredibly emotional statement that stunned those closest to him. According to Jelena Djokovic, Novak said, “I’m done.”
“It was a very hard time for him,” Jelena recalled. “He was so exhausted, mentally and physically. After that loss, he said he was done with tennis, and it felt like he was ready to walk away from everything.”
This moment was a profound one for Novak. It was the culmination of months of physical pain, disappointing losses, and, most importantly, the overwhelming pressure of being at the top of the sport for so many years. The thought of quitting was a serious consideration for Djokovic, someone who had always prided himself on being mentally strong and able to push through challenges. The mental aspect of the sport is often an unseen factor in an athlete’s career, and for Djokovic, this low point was a stark reminder that even the greatest players can be brought to the brink of giving up.
However, Jelena was quick to point out that Novak’s family was a pillar of support during this turbulent time. While Novak was ready to give up, Jelena and their close-knit circle of family and friends didn’t let him quit. They reminded him of all he had already accomplished and what he still had left to achieve. The love and encouragement he received from his family were critical in helping him reassess his situation and make the decision to push forward.
### The Turning Point: The Comeback of a Lifetime
What followed in the months after this heartbreaking moment was nothing short of miraculous. Novak Djokovic didn’t retire, as many feared. Instead, he took a step back, focused on his physical and mental recovery, and found a renewed sense of purpose. In fact, the months that followed the 2018 Australian Open were the beginning of one of the most remarkable comebacks in tennis history.
Djokovic went on to win the 2018 Wimbledon title, a triumph that reignited his passion for the game and set him back on his journey to dominance. The victory was symbolic, not only for his recovery from injury but also for the mental fortitude he demonstrated in returning to the top of the sport after such a difficult period. Djokovic’s comeback was fueled by a combination of mental toughness, a recharged work ethic, and his family’s unwavering support.
From there, Djokovic’s resurgence continued. He went on to win the 2018 US Open, followed by victories in the 2019 Australian Open and Wimbledon. His career was back on track, and he cemented his place as one of the most dominant forces in the history of tennis.
### Mental Health in Professional Sport
Djokovic’s experience in 2018 is a testament to the often-overlooked mental health challenges that athletes face. While the physical demands of professional tennis are widely recognized, the mental strain of competing at the highest level can be just as, if not more, taxing. The pressure to perform, the isolation, and the constant scrutiny from the media and fans can take a severe toll on even the most accomplished players.
For Djokovic, this moment of self-doubt was a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. His willingness to share this vulnerable moment with the world highlights the importance of addressing mental struggles in professional sports and encourages others to speak out about their own challenges. His comeback is not just a story of physical recovery but also one of mental resilience and growth.
### Jelena’s Role: A Supportive Partner
Jelena Djokovic, Novak’s wife, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. She is often seen cheering him on from the stands, but behind the scenes, she plays a crucial role in helping him maintain his mental and emotional well-being. Jelena’s strength during the 2018 crisis was pivotal in keeping Novak grounded and focused. As she shared in her interview, she believed in him even when he doubted himself.
“I knew he wasn’t finished, even though he felt that way,” Jelena reflected. “We all knew he still had so much to give. It was just about giving him the time and space to reset, to recover, and to find his motivation again.”
### The Legacy of the 2018 Crisis
Looking back, the 2018 moment when Djokovic seriously considered retirement was a critical chapter in his journey. It served as both a wake-up call and a turning point, pushing him to take a step back, reassess his career, and come back stronger than ever. Today, Novak Djokovic is arguably playing the best tennis of his life, breaking records and adding to his already legendary legacy.
Jelena’s revelation provides valuable insight into the mental struggles that athletes face, even those who seem invincible on the surface. It’s a powerful reminder that even the greatest players have moments of doubt, and it’s in those moments of vulnerability that their true strength is revealed.
As Novak Djokovic continues to chase records and redefine greatness, this story will remain an integral part of his legacy—proof that even when the road seemed too tough to continue, he found the strength to rise again.