MIAMI—Novak Djokovic revels in reaching the tennis summit—and believes going downhill fast has helped him sustain peak play.
The six-time Miami Open champion fended off a tricky Bernard Tomic, 7-6 (2), 6-2, to charge into the Miami third round.
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A year ago, Djokovic arrived in Miami ranked No. 12 and was sent reeling falling to Benoit Paire in the opening round.
Balance, flexibility and body control helped Djokovic make his mark as the oldest ATP year-end No. 1 in history.
The 15-time Grand Slam champion attributes his body control to one of his passions: skiiing.
"I think skiing has affected the flexibility of my ankles, my joints," Djokovic told Tennis Now in his post-match press conference. "I know a lot of players are forbidden to ski, but I don't have that in my contract. I don't sign a contract that conditions me not to ski.
"Skiing, it kind of runs in my veins. I come from a professional skier's family. My dad used to compete. My uncle, my aunts. For us, it's kind of normal to be on the slopes. I grew up on the mountain."
Of course, climbing the tennis mountain is a massive challenge. Staying atop the summit is even more demanding.
Djokovic said cross-training, particularly outdoors, has helped him maintain a clear mind and given him fresh perspective on the court.
"I'd played, of course, a lot of basketball and soccer," Djokovic said. "Those are very famous sports in our country. Just try to be outdoors. I spend a lot of time outdoors. Nowadays, it has changed with technology and everything. But I think that has helped my development also as a person and a tennis player."
Photo credit: Lindsey Godwin/Miami Open