Pepe Imaz's long association with Novak Djokovic offered a rare window into the champion's inner workings.
Imaz spent almost ten years around Novak, with Marko Djokovic connecting them.
The guru got the front seat spot to observe a player whose greatness extended far beyond strokes and trophies. What stood out most was Djokovic's relentless desire to grow as a competitor and as a person.
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His curiosity, openness and generosity defined their interactions, even after exhausting matches or training sessions. They rejected authority and ego and built their relationship on mutual respect and constant dialogue.
The experience reinforced a truth shared by almost every elite player - tennis at the highest level is primary a mental battle, requiring incredible inner strength and belief.
Novak's success was never about physical preparation or technical perfection. He possessed that, but his main rivals did not lack those elements either.
The Serb did his best to look inside and understand himself, embracing learning and mastering the unseen side of the sport. That mindset, cultivated quietly over years on the biggest tennis stages and moments of loneliness, became one of the most powerful foundations of his incredible career.
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In the season when he turns 39, Djokovic only looks forward. World no. 4 is preparing for another strong run in 2026 after four Major semi-finals in the season behind us.
He hopes to avoid physical issues and challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on the most notable scene. Despite achieving everything, the Belgrade native still wants to extend his journey and unique legacy.
"I did not do anything extraordinary with Novak. I simply shared things that had been useful to me, and he did the work. Novak is an exceptional human being, with an impressive desire to learn and improve, and extraordinary generosity.
I do not think there is a single player who would tell you that the mental aspect accounts for less than 70% of the game. Novak could spend four hours on the court, but each time, he spoke to me with respect, never with reprimand," Pepe Imaz said.
