A little self-reflection can go a long way for Novak Djokovic.
The six-time Wimbledon champion was two-sets-to-love down and struggling to find his best level in his quarter-final clash with Jannik Sinner at the grass-court major on Tuesday afternoon, and the top seed admitted a quiet moment off court had been pivotal in his 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 comeback victory.
“The first two sets compared to the last three, we had probably two different matches,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview after surging to the semi-finals in London for the 11th time. “He was the better player for two sets. I went out, had a little bit of refreshment at the toilet break and had a little bit of a pep talk in the mirror.
“Sometimes in these kinds of circumstances, where not much is happening positively for you on the court and the other guy on the court is dominating the play, these things are necessary. A little break, a little pep talk, to try and recuperate and regather the thoughts. Reassemble everything that you have to come at your opponent with the best possible game.
“Even though I’ve played tennis on the big stage for 20 years now, I go through the same doubtful moments as anybody else. The inner fight is always the biggest fight on the court and off the court, so trying to win that internal fight is a big challenge. Once you do that, I feel like external circumstances are more likely to go in your favour."
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