Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis maestro, who had an extended hiatus in 2017 due to elbow issues, had ultimately opted for surgery in 2018. His mother, Dijana provided an interesting revelation about her son that highlighted Novak’s non-traditional approaches in the face of health issues. Despite Novak’s meticulous efforts to explore alternative treatments and natural remedies, he acknowledged the necessity of the surgery.
Djokovic explained during an interview, “I’ve been grappling with this… consulting various doctors, facing different opinions, diagnoses, and suggestions. It wasn’t an easy decision.” The surgery marked a crucial moment for Djokovic’s career, compelling him to reassess his approach to recovery. Djokovic admitted, “I didn’t give my elbow enough time to recover and took anti-inflammatory drugs, which I usually avoid.”
Djokovic’s mother, Dijana, shed light on the aftermath of the surgery when she met Novak. ” When he woke up from the anesthesia, he told me that he betrayed himself. I explained to him that he did what he had to do, and that if he wanted to continue playing, it was necessary,” revealed Dijana.
Much of this was due to the fact that during 2017 and first part of 2018 Djokovic struggled a lot with his Elbow.
He played through over a year with pain before reluctantly getting surgery in early 2018 to resolve the injury. He then was back to playing some of his best Tennis. https://t.co/DplmlyM1B4
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) October 7, 2023
Djokovic, known for his aversion to drugs, had exhausted all available alternatives before resorting to surgery. His mother emphasized his commitment to exploring unconventional methods and his reluctance to compromise his principles.
However, in hindsight, his decision to undergo surgery instead of opting for non-invasive approaches proved to be the right one. In 2018, he concluded with a remarkable 53-13 record, securing two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, thereby reaffirming his status as a tennis legend.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. backs Novak Djokovic’s vaccination stance
In a recent turn of events, tennis icon Novak Djokovic has garnered admiration from American environmental lawyer and politician, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Djokovic’s decision to forgo vaccination against COVID-19 led to his absence from prominent tournaments like the Australian Open and the US Open in 2022.
However, the World No. 1 clarified his stance on vaccination during a candid interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes. Djokovic made it clear that he neither aligns with anti-vax sentiments nor supports pro-vax opinions, instead he champions the principle of freedom which is of “choice” regarding vaccination.
Djokovic asserted, “People try to declare me as an anti-vax. I am not anti-vax nor am I pro-vax. I am pro-freedom to choose.” Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is also the nephew of former US President, John F. Kennedy and anti-vaccine supporter, echoed Djokovic’s sentiments, expressing his support for the tennis star’s stance, stating, “Djokovic nails it. That’s my position too. Your body, your choice,”
Djokovic nails it. That’s my position too. Your body, your choice. #Kennedy24 https://t.co/f4K3k2Rimw
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) December 9, 2023
The support from influential figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlights the importance of respecting individual freedoms. Regardless of the controversies, Djokovic’s stellar achievements on the tennis court in 2023, including his eighth-year-end World No. 1 finish, reflect his unwavering focus and determination.