Novak Djokovic took a trip down memory lane at the Head Tennis event in Monaco, opening the door to a unique opportunity to go into business with recent tennis rival Jannik Sinner.
The world No. 1 gave up significant time on the eve of his first match at the Monte Carlo Masters to fulfill an appointment with the racket manufacturer that has been a key part of his success throughout his career.
In a presentation streamed live on Instagram, with Roger Federer's former coach Ivan Ljubicic emceeing the event in front of an invited audience, Djokovic gave a long look back at all the racquets that brought him the most success. I went on a trip.
Djokovic spoke at length about his journey with Head and his understanding of racket technology, and explained the changes that have helped him maintain his success in a conversation with Ljubicic.
He also talked about the prospect of what he could do once his tennis story was over, and that's when he had the novel idea of going into business with Sinner.
Head was as famous for making ski equipment as it was for making tennis rackets, and Djokovic made the suggestion as he looked forward to seeing what would happen next with his partnership with the sporting goods giant.
“I'm really looking forward to being on the slopes for the next few years,” said Djokovic, who spent time skiing with his family after losing to Sinner at the Australian Open in January.
“Head is also interested in winter sports, and I'm a big fan of skiing. Jannik Sinner is also into (skiing), so maybe we can do something together with Head someday. I'm into crazy things. Always open.
“This kind of activity, when you step out of your comfort zone, not only brings excitement and joy, but also brings in new fans.”
Sinner is a huge ski fan who had to decide between betting his sporting future on tennis or the slopes when he was younger, but his recent success on the court suggests he made the right choice. are doing.
Sinner has also found success using a head racket, and by the time Djokovic finally hangs up, the Italian will likely become the leading male tennis player with a head racket.
If he has as much success with the head racquet as Djokovic, it will be a very successful partnership and I hope Djokovic, the current world No. 1 and 24-time Grand Slam winner, gives him the racquet that will make him legendary. It's obvious that I'm grateful to the company that gave me this. .
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“From 2009 to today, it's been an incredibly successful journey,” Djokovic said, reflecting on his relationship with Head.
“For tennis players, it can be very difficult to find a racquet that is suitable and comfortable to use, and once you find one, you don't want to let go.
“The head team is innovating and every two years we have to make some changes and improvements.”
He ended the event by saying of his new Head Speed Legend racquet, “I hope it lasts two more years!” hinting that he wants to play it a little longer than some observers are expecting.
The event was attended by Djokovic's wife Jelena and their two children, but some may have raised eyebrows at the decision to hold the event the day before Djokovic's first Monte Carlo Masters.
Spending this much time on a sponsored event was unusual pre-tournament planning, but Djokovic did something similar last summer at an ASICS event with Tennis 365 just before Wimbledon.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Djokovic is determined to spend as much time with his wife and two children as possible during this final phase of his career, and their presence in Monte Carlo will be Djokovic's first. This means that there is a possibility that it will motivate them to play their best in the pursuit of the title. This is the first tournament since 2015.
