Djokovic calls for respect from Paris: "There are people who express opinions without knowing exactly what I'm going through"
Novak faced the Media Day of the last Masters 1000 of the season with strength, speaking at a press conference about his physical condition, even about the current political situation in Serbia.
The last Masters 1000 of the season welcomed Novak Djokovic on Monday, which could be his last ATP Rolex Paris Masters. Or so many think. The Serbian, who always speaks candidly, addressed all the opinions circulating about his health during the Media Day.
And he didn’t just talk about that; he also dared to touch on some political issues regarding his country, the current atmosphere in Serbia, a nation that hasn't always treated him as he deserves. In fact, when asked about the treatment he has received from certain political figures in Serbia and the criticisms he has faced in recent times, Djokovic preferred to look forward.
“I am not going to discuss or comment on the past. The past is the past; I hope this is a new beginning for the country,” he responded. However, he did want to make an important distinction about his relationship with Serbia: “I am a patriot, but I have always represented my people, not the Government. There’s a big difference between the two.” The 24-time Grand Slam winner expressed hope for the future of his nation: “I am happy with these changes and hope that things will be great and prosperous for our country.”
Health is the most important thing for Djokovic
In sporting terms, Djokovic explained that his motivation hasn't changed, although the way he approaches this stage of his career has. Grand Slams remain his main reference, but now his priority is to feel good physically. "This year, the focus has shifted to feeling good on the court, more than playing well, to be honest,” he acknowledged.
The Balkan player explained that for a good part of the season he has faced significant physical difficulties, dismissing the notion that his problems are related to insufficient preparation. He also took the opportunity to send a message to those who opine about his situation without knowing it: “There are many people who love to express their expert opinion believing they know exactly what is happening to me, but they don’t.”
Novak Djokovic is locked in ahead of the final ATP Masters 1000 of the season in Paris 🔒 https://t.co/20Qlpxafdg
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) November 2, 2026
The good news, according to his own words, is that he is starting to find solutions. “Lately, I have been feeling better. We are getting close to solving what I have been going through for the past twelve months.” And that improvement has also translated to his tennis: “My performance, my enjoyment on the court, and my feelings are much better when I feel good," noted the current world number 11.
Looking back, Djokovic pointed to Beijing as his best week of the year, along with Australia, and also positively evaluated his time in Basel. Now he wants to enjoy the final weeks of competition: "I am trying to enjoy this end of the season. First, I need to feel better on the court, and then the performance will come,” he added.
Finally, Nole recalled the continued importance of yoga, meditation, and conscious breathing in his routine. “It has always been a matter of connection between body and mind. It’s never been about giving more importance to one than the other,” he explained. A philosophy that has accompanied him since the early years of his career and continues to be fundamental to prolonging his competitiveness.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic pide respeto desde París: "Hay gente que opina sin saber exactamente qué me pasa"