Djokovic meditates to ‘lose fear and stress’

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic says meditating has helped him overcome fear and stress that comes with playing elite tennis.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion, 30, says he often turned to the practice during his long spell out of the game last year with elbow trouble.

He is playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon in July and he has a brand new support team, headed by Andre Agassi as coach.

Djokovic said after reaching the fourth round of the year’s opening Grand Slam on Saturday that he now meditates on a daily basis.

“Yes, I do. I’ll tell you what. I don’t want to tell you what I gain with it, but I’ll tell what I lose with it,” he said.

“I lose fear. I lose anxiety. I lose stress. I guess, in the end of the day, that’s what you’re looking for.”

Djokovic has become involved in meticulous off-the-court preparation in recent years. The new year has given him the opportunity to analyse aspects of his game and preparation. “When it comes to tennis, I obviously was excited to analyze my game,” he said.