Djokovic reveals recovery methods, downplays Federer record after Wimbledon win
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Novak Djokovic advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals by defeating Roman Safiullin in a challenging four-set match.
- Djokovic acknowledged spending more time on recovery than ever before, utilizing various technologies to manage his body's demands.
- Despite the win, Djokovic expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, stating his priority is not breaking Roger Federer's records but focusing on his game.
Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory over Roman Safiullin, but the Serbian star admitted he did not feel great on the court. The win, his latest milestone, saw him surpass Roger Federer's record for most Wimbledon match victories, a feat Djokovic downplayed.
It's not on my priority list, honestly. I haven't thought about it and didn't even know until I finished the match. It's not important to me right now.
"It's not on my priority list, honestly. I haven't thought about it and didn't even know until I finished the match. It's not important to me right now," Djokovic stated after the match. He acknowledged Safiullin's aggressive play and strong serves, which caused him significant trouble, particularly in the first and third sets.
Djokovic revealed that his recovery process has become increasingly demanding. "I think I spend more time in recovery than ever before. Those are just the demands of the body today โ more wear and tear," he explained. He detailed his use of various recovery methods, including hyperbaric chambers, cryotherapy, cold baths, red light therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic therapies, adapting to his body's changes over the years.
I think I spend more time in recovery than ever before. Those are just the demands of the body today โ more wear and tear.
Despite securing the win, Djokovic was not entirely pleased with his game. "Honestly, I didn't feel great on the court today, so I'm just relieved to get the win. Satisfaction and enjoyment were not part of today's victory," he confessed. He also touched upon moments of frustration on court, admitting that sometimes venting emotions helps filter accumulated feelings, though it's not something he is proud of. He emphasized the need to move on and focus on the next point.
Those are just the demands of the body today โ more wear and tear. I can't say I always enjoy it. It takes a lot of time. But it's part of the process and adapting to the changes in the body over the last few years.
Looking back at his long and successful career at Grand Slams, Djokovic reflected, "I've been fortunate to play many matches at the highest level. Of course, I'm a perfectionist at heart and always want my best game, but it's not always possible. You just have to move on and learn for the next time."
There are many things that I have used, am using, and still using. Yes, I like that. I think sometimes less is more. You have to feel what really works for you.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.