The Serb was completely rattled when he learnt of his grandfather’s death, and he claims it broke him. Djokovic has also frequently discussed how his grandfather influenced him to become the way he is now and played an important role in establishing his warrior mindset.
During Iguales, the official Mutua Madrid Open podcast, the host of the show asked the 24-time Grand Slam Champion if he still feels a spiritual connection with his grandfather. The tennis star answered as he demonstrated how his grandfather would peel an apple for him.
Djokovic: I mean, we have those, uh, what do you call them… the rollers that are easier, but I prefer this. Because it’s just as you say, it connects me to him — to the memory of him, and the memory of us together in our time and you know, it just brings me peace, sadness as well, but also happiness at the same time.
The host also teased him about how his coach, Andy Murray, wouldn’t like him to hurt himself, as Djokovic denied the possibility of it due to his grandfather’s blessings.
Host: Of course, Andy wouldn’t be happy about you cutting your finger off
Djokovic: I think my grandfather’s spirit is there, protecting it. Nothing bad will happen.
In tennis, Novak Djokovic is struggling to reach his peak performance.
