Novak Djokovic has admitted that breaking rackets and reacting angrily on court makes him “ashamed” and “really hate” himself in a conversation with Nick Kyrgios.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion told Kyrgios that he is now more accepting of his flaws and expressed his respect for the way the Australian follows the same approach.
Throughout his career, Djokovic has often expressed his frustration during matches by smashing rackets — and it does not seem to negatively affect his performance.
The 36-year-old Serbian is widely considered to be one of the mentally strongest players in the history of tennis, but some critics condemn his on-court antics.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic reveals Roger Federer ‘didn’t like’ his behaviour in candid admission
Speaking with fellow tennis star Kyrgios on the Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast, Djokovic addressed his behaviour in the heat of competition.
“You’re always expected to be in your perfect form of tennis, of behaviour. You have to show up in good manners. It’s not always possible,” said Djokovic.
“First time in my career, I wasn’t okay with myself breaking racquets and screaming and making a fool out of myself in the court.
“It doesn’t mean that I’m okay with that today. When I do it, I’m ashamed of myself. I really am, I’m embarrassed. And I really hate myself for doing that.
“But at the same time, what I think the difference is, maybe in the last seven, eight years, is that I accept my flaws. And I accept that I do mistakes and errors, and I try to be a better version of myself the next day.
“And it might not happen, but at least I’m in peace with myself and I’m not embarrassed to say, ‘Look, I’m wrong, or I’m flawed,’ like you do.
“And this is what I respect and appreciate about you is that you say, ‘Look, I have issues.’ Everyone has mental issues, everyone tries to deal with them in the best possible way.”
This was a topic Djokovic tackled after his victory against Holger Rune at the 2023 ATP Finals in November, during which he broke two rackets. The great Serbian was asked if doing this was something that helped players reset.
“I mean, some people are saying that – if you want to use that word ‘pragmatic’ – for me to do that because then I can release whatever tension I’m holding and frustration and move on, maybe that was the case tonight,” he said.
“But I wouldn’t encourage anybody doing that. Neither do I encourage myself. I’m not happy. I’m not happy with that. I definitely don’t like that I have done that, but I have done it and that is it and I have to take responsibility.
“Yeah, I guess in some cases it has happened in the past where I do that and come back playing more freely, I guess, just letting go. There are different ways, maybe smarter ways to let go of the frustration than breaking a racket (smiling).”
