Rafael Nadal thinks Novak Djokovic is like a ‘machine’ in terms of mentality
Rafael Nadal recently described World number one Novak Djokovic as having a “machine mentality” but is sure he suffers with his own self-doubts as well.
Nadal has been ruled out since the Citi Open in August after a foot injury resurfaced, but is now preparing to make a return at the Abu Dhabi exhibition during the off-season.
Meanwhile, Djokovic has enjoyed an excellent season, winning three of the four Grand Slams, as well as securing a record-breaking seventh Year-End number one finish and a record 37th Masters title at the Paris Masters.
Nadal featured in a YouTube vlog with retired Formula One racer Nico Rosberg where the duo spoke about self-doubts, mentality and mental toughness in order to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Nadal said “if you don’t have doubts in this life, it’s because you are too arrogant, I think. Because, in this life, most of the things are not 100% clear.”
“So you need to have doubts. You need to ask yourself ‘what is the right thing to do?'”
“I have been humble enough during all my career to not consider myself ‘too good to not have doubts.’ That’s why it’s been hard work during my entire tennis career.”
“I think being arrogant and very self-confident can help you for a while, but for the longer term, if that in some way doesn’t give you the chance to work the proper way, with the goal to improve, it can be a negative thing.”
Rosberg also mentioned fellow 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, saying he doesn’t think he is on the “super sensitive side,” like Nadal said he himself was.
“He’s (Djokovic) maybe more a machine in terms of mentality. But I am sure he has his doubts too,” Nadal replied, eliciting a laugh from Rosberg.
“We have different characters. Both things are good and you need to find your way. That’s my point of view.”
“There is no one way to have success, or to accomplish your dreams. There are different ways and you need to find your personal one.”
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