Djokovic Thanks Family, Reveals Motivation Issues After Wimbledon Win In Emotional Letter

Novak Djokovic continues to savor his victory at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships and has shared his journey to the title through an emotional letter in which he spoke about the joy of having his family by his side and his struggles in the last 24 months.

The Serbian was not among the favorites to win the title at the All England Club, but proved he is back to his best when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the semi-final and then beat Kevin Anderson with relative ease in the summit clash to lift the famous trophy on center court.

Djokovic missed the final six months of the 2017 campaign due to an elbow injury before returning to action at the Australian Open in January this year. He lost in the quarter-finals after which he underwent a minor surgery to further repair from damage in his troubled elbow.

The 31-year-old returned at the BNP Paribas Open, but lost in the second round and suffered a similar fate at the Miami Open. He played the entirety of the clay court season without much success, but there were signs that he was getting back to his best.

He started the grass court season by making the final at the Queen’s Club tournament, where he lost to Marin Cilic. But he carried that momentum into Wimbledon where he looked at his best on his way to the title.

Djokovic admitted that injury was one of the reasons for his struggle over the last 12 months, but finally revealed he did have problems with motivation, which was clear after he captured the French Open title in 2016. The 2018 Wimbledon was just his fourth title in over two years.

“In 2017, the injury of my right elbow was so severe that I was forced to be out from the Tour for 6 months,” Djokovic wrote. “Injury was one of the issues, the other big one was any motivation. I didn’t have problems to practice and to enjoy the tennis court but I had mental hurdles when I had to compete.”

“One day I will share more in depth what kind of challenges I had to face and how I felt,” he said.

Djokovic, however, got emotional talking about his victory on center court in front of his family, mainly his wife – Jelena Djokovic – and son, Stefan, who could be heard chanting “Daddy! Daddy!” as the former world number one lifted the trophy. The Serb admitted it was the “most wonderful” sensation he has had at any tournament he has won thus far.

“First of all, let me start by writing that the feeling of having my son in my wife’s arms at the trophy ceremony in the Players box was the most wonderful sensation I have had at any tournament that I have ever won in my career,” Djokovic added. “When I became a father, one of my biggest dreams was to have my children present at the stands while I am playing. Let alone winning trophies. That dream came true several days ago. Everyone keeps on asking me to describe the feeling."

“I have said it is unforgettable, special, fulfilling, wonderful, joyful. But most of all, it is Magical! When I thought that moment could not get any better, he shouted 'Daddy, Daddy!' That’s when I completely melted. Overwhelmed with emotions. Happy and joyful beyond belief. I am so GRATEFUL to have experienced that,” the 13-time men’s singles Grand Slam winner explained.