Content for Mains Enrichment
Following a challenging defeat in the 2010 French Open, Novak Djokovic, a renowned tennis grand slam winner ranked No. 3 globally, contemplated quitting tennis. Overwhelmed by the pressures of rankings and external expectations, he confided in his coach, Marián Vajda.
In response, Vajda posed a crucial question to Djokovic: Why did he start playing tennis in the first place?
Reflecting on his early memories, Djokovic realized his love for a mini tennis racket and soft foam ball, which ignited his passion for the sport.
Encouraged by Vajda, Djokovic chose to prioritize the joy of playing over external demands.
From that moment on, he embraced the sheer pleasure of playing for its own sake. The subsequent season witnessed Djokovic’s remarkable transformation. He achieved one of the greatest seasons in sports history, securing 43 consecutive victories, claiming three Grand Slam titles, including his first Wimbledon win, and culminating as the world’s top-ranked player.
By reconnecting with his genuine passion for tennis, Djokovic played with newfound freedom, rediscovering the pure joy of being a carefree kid on the court. This inner connection paved the way for his phenomenal success.
Learnings from his life: Balancing Ambition with Enjoyment, Embracing a Playful Mindset, Being True to Yourself, Focusing on Intrinsic Rewards, Authenticity and Self-Awareness and Passion and Love for the thing you are doing.
Usage: You can use the story for the essay as well as in the examples of ethics.
