Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, stands as a titan in the tennis world when it comes to individual achievements. However, amidst his plethora of trophies and titles, there is a section that has remained completely untouched- the national team’s success. With just one Davis Cup title to his name and a bronze medal at the Olympics, the Serbian is hungry to grab more success. That being said, there is one question that has always surrounded this scenario: Why is the Serbian so obsessed with the national glory?
Is it because of the record of the Spanish legend Rafael Nadal‘s massive success? Well, as it stands, the Serbian is way behind the 22-time grand slam winner and would be eyeing to get as close as it is possible. But is it possible? Does the Serbian want to decoy all his energy and break down the record held by the Spanish great? Let’s find out!
How much national success has Novak Djokovic achieved during his time as a professional player?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When it comes to national success, only 2 tournaments can be regarded as major success, the Olympics and the Davis Cup. Djokovic’s pursuit of the Davis Cup and Olympic glory speaks volumes about his dedication to national pride. Despite a remarkable career laden with Grand Slam titles and individual accomplishments, the Serbian legend has failed to shine when it comes to his national team.
??? Just 48 hours after his final vs Sinner, Novak Djokovic is back at practice, in Malaga for the Davis Cup!
Says 2023 will be his best ever year, if Serbia win the event ? pic.twitter.com/aLRnTmlWpT
? Olly ??? (@Olly_Tennis_) November 21, 2023
In multiple interviews, he has always expressed his desire to win more accolades and make his national team the best in the world. Having won his record 7th ATP title just a few days ago, he arrived in Malaga for an emphatic Davis Cup showdown. ?The season is not finished yet. I really would like to win the Davis Cup with Serbia. That?s a goal. It?s an important week for us, for our nation. We?ll do our best,? said the Serbian as he geared himself ahead of the final.
Apart from individual success, he has failed to shine for Serbia on the international stage. The absence of major national successes could be one of the reasons behind his hunger for it. Apart from the 2010 Davis Cup and a lone bronze in the 2008 Olympics, the hunger to collect more glory is always on.
Fueling this drive is the shadow of his rival, Rafael Nadal, whose impressive record in these team events acts as a motivational benchmark for Djokovic. Throughout his years as a professional tennis player, Nadal has a tally of 5 Davis Cups and 2 Olympic Golds. This could be yet another reason why the Serbian is always fueled up for further success with the national side as he wishes to add more glory to his name.
Novak Djokovic preparing for his first practice session with Team Serbia in Malaga @DjokerNole | @DavisCup pic.twitter.com/OJ326F5ikt
? Eric Han (@MrEricHan) November 21, 2023
Thus, with very little to none, the international success looks like a drought to Novak Djokovic. However, he would be looking to add glory to his name in this year’s Davis Cup and would be looking to add golden glory in Paris next year as well. That being said, it all comes down to one question: Is Rafael Nadal a driving factor behind Novak Djokovic’s extreme hunger for international success?
Is Rafael Nadal a driving factor behind Novak Djokovic’s hunger for international success?
This might be a question that many would be wondering. However, the national success that Novak Djokovic aims for does not solely depend on his rival Rafael Nadal’s national success. While Djokovic lies far behind and has only a few years left of professional tennis, it might not be possible for him to win every Davis Cup title.
Also, given the fact that the Paris Olympics will be held next year. Should Djokovic manage to secure a gold, he’ll still be one behind Rafael Nadal and by the time the 2030 Olympics hop in, he’ll be around 40. This would further lessen his chances of winning the Olympic glory. Adding one more thing to it, the fans would get a chance to witness their favourite star Rafael Nadal in action at the Paris Olympics next year. This would give the Serbian a tough competition as the Spanish maestro has made clay courts his fortress.
Rafael Nadal has won the Davis Cup 5 times! His singles record is 29-1 making his winning percentage 97%. Rafael Nadal is undefeated in his last 29 singles matches. pic.twitter.com/z25CzrALFv
? . (@primenadal) September 18, 2021
In assessing Djokovic’s fervor for the Davis Cup and Olympics, Rafael Nadal emerges as a significant factor. Nadal’s towering success in these team events acts as a driving force behind Djokovic’s relentless pursuit. The stark contrast in their national accolades is a constant reminder for Djokovic to elevate Serbia’s tennis legacy on the global podium.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, it is not completely dependent on the same as the time it would take Djokovic to reach Nadal’s feat is massive and technically not possible as well. Thus, it can be concluded that the Serbian sensation takes inspiration from the Spanish legend to increase his medal tally when it comes to national success. However, to say that it is completely dependent would not make any sense.
Rafael Nadal has won 5 Davis Cups and 2 Olympic gold medals for his country. Put some respect to his name?? pic.twitter.com/7LXr8810s0
? . (@primenadal) November 29, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thus, ahead of his Davis Cup and upcoming Olympic campaigns, he would be eyeing glory more than anyone. However, it is only time that will reveal how far he makes it through. What are your views on it? Do let us know in the comments below!
Watch this story: Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban?Dictionary!