Novak Djokovic reflects on return from injury at Laureus Sports Awards

Novak Djokovic reflects on his incredible return from injury while receiving the 2019 Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award.

Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic has made one of the greatest comebacks that the sport of tennis has ever seen in the last year. After suffering from ongoing injuries back in 2017, the now world number one stepped away from the ATP Tour for a huge chunk of time. No-one, including Djokovic it was revealed, thought that such a comeback was possible.

The tennis star received the 2019 Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award alongside Gymnast Simone Biles this past week. Djokovic thanked his wife, Jelena, for being there for him throughout his recovery time and in the periods of intense doubt and uncertainty.

Djokovic has completed an unprecedented comeback in men’s tennis. He, along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, dominated the sport for so long. Just when you think any of them is ready to ride off into the sunset, they surprise you in epic proportions. Djokovic bounced back from injury, fighting from out of nowhere to world number one.

In 2018, the Serbian returned to tennis to take Grand Slam singles titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open. He would finish runner-up at the end of year ATP Finals in London and then go on to take yet another Grand Slam title at the 2019 Australian Open. What a stretch of tennis.

"“In those moments when you’re facing adversity and feeling challenged, you should look inside because that’s where the answer lies. I did not understand that fully, I had heard that before but I think when I went through this journey I understood what this means and I now know where I can always find strength and motivation to keep me going.” – Novak Djokovic while receiving the 2019 Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award"

Novak Djokovic found support in his wife and family throughout his time away from the courts. On the verge of hanging it up for good, he persisted and made a comeback for the ages. Djokovic remains the top player in men’s tennis as of now and there are no signs of him letting up on the 2019 ATP Tour. Nole is a tremendous ambassador for the sport and he should continue to make history in the months to come. Currently, Djokovic is gearing up for action at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open.