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Djokovic forced himself to focus on the game until he won.

This past weekend saw the conclusion of the 2023 Australian Open, with decorated player Novak Djokovic ultimately coming out on top and taking the trophy. In spite of his victory, though, Djokovic was visibly and audibly crying into his towel at his seat during the trophy presentation. At a press conference afterward, Djokovic clarified that he was ecstatic about the win, and that wasn’t why he was crying. Rather, the tears came from some personal troubles he had been dealing with in the last several weeks.

“When I went into my box, I just think emotionally collapsed there and teared up with especially my mother and my brother, when I gave them a hug, because up to that moment I was not allowing myself to, I guess, be distracted with things off the court or whatever was happening in dealing with an injury, things happening off the court, as well, that could easily have been a big disturbance to my focus, to my game.

“It required an enormous mental energy really to stay present, to stay focused, to take things day by day, and really see how far I can go.”

HUGE VICTORY for our very own champion, Novak Djokovic ! Congratulations to @djokernole for winning his 10th Australian Open title 🏆 , 22nd Grand Slam title, and reclaiming World No.1 ranking #NovakDjokovic #australianopen2023 pic.twitter.com/6rJY3AHQ7h

— World Tennis League (@wtltweets) January 30, 2023

Djokovic’s father was not present with his family after the game, as he was remaining out of the public eye after being sighted during the tournament with a group of Russian supporters. Additionally, he was still awaiting MRI results for an ongoing hamstring problem that nearly prevented his participation in the games.

In spite of his hardships, Djokovic is still committed to tennis greatness, and has every intention of continuing to compete as long as his body lets him. “I really don’t want to stop here. I don’t have intention to stop here,” he said. “I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I’m feeling good physically, mentally present, I have a chance to win any slam against anybody.