While his rivals are preparing for their first duels at the Cincinnati Masters, the 20-time Major champion Novak Djokovic is choosing a different kind of preparation for the US Open.
After enjoying his time on the beaches of Montenegro, Croatia and Greece, Novak and his family returned to Montenegro to enjoy the fresh air and quiet strength of the Durmitor mountain massif.
Djokovic has also been spotted in Zabljak, a small town nestled in the heart of Durmitor. The veteran has been riding horses and playing football with his son, Stefan.
Like many times before, Novak has swapped the intensity of tennis for family time in the nature and quality moments. The Serb seems focused on mental recovery ahead of the closing stages of the season.
Untroubled with ranking position and titles after achieving everything in our sport, the 38-year-old is charting his own course, trusting his routine and experience. Novak is still hungry for more success, but at this stage of his career, family comes first.
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For Djokovic, balance, family and mental clarity are just as crucial as hitting winners, especially after grueling campaigns in Paris and London, where he stopped the clock and earned age records.
The US Open is just weeks away, and Novak's unconventional build-up could prove once again why he is a master of longevity and timing. Will it work for him in New York? We will find out in September.
Despite his lighter approach, Djokovic is still among the top-5 players on the ATP Race to Turin. The veteran has been the semi-finalist at all three Major events this season.
He also fought for the Miami Open crown, losing it to Jakub Mensik in two tie breaks. Novak achieved a massive milestone in Geneva in May, becoming the third player in the Open era with 100 ATP titles.
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He backed it with the semi-final at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, proving his everlasting class on the most notable scene and keeping his dreams of 25th Major crown alive at 38.
