Novak Djokovic says there is “a lot of trash talk inside my head” and that he is “trying to fight the demons”. Djokovic beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round of the Australian Open, but endured some frustrations despite feeling better about his performances compared to the opening rounds. “When I show the bad side of my emotions, it’s ugly and it’s not something I enjoy,” he said.
Novak Djokovic has opened up on “fighting demons” during matches where there is “a lot of trash talk inside his head”.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner is continuing his record-extending bid for a 25th major at the Australian Open, and most recently overcame Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Friday to reach the last 16.
Novak Djokovic felt during the third-round match that he “found his rhythm” following lacklustre performances in the opening two rounds, but still seemed frustrated with himself at times.
“Well, it’s not always a positive pep talk,” Djokovic admitted in his press conference when discussing his frame of mind while trying to remain focussed during a match.
“There’s a lot of trash talk happening inside of my head. I guess it’s part of the game. It’s part of who I am.
“I mean, I’m quite certain that everyone goes through their crisis moments, particularly in the matches where they don’t feel their best and they have doubts.
“The question is how you overcome those doubts and focus on being in the present and trying to get the most out of yourself for the next point.
“I do have an extrovert kind of personality. I show my emotions – not always – but it does happen.”
The Serbian also opened up on the mental struggles he and other tennis players endure while on the court and admitted that personally, he struggles to contain his emotions.
“When I show the bad side of my emotions, it’s ugly and it’s not something I enjoy,” he continued. “It is what it is.
“I’m trying to fight the demons that I have, as anybody else, on the court.
“Sometimes it works better. Sometimes not so great. You just have to accept the circumstances, depending on how you feel against certain opponent on the given day.
“Sometimes you just wake up not feeling great, and you start to doubt that you can win a match or play well. Those are some of the things you have to deal with mentally during the match.”
