Christian Mesiano, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Novak Djokovic is a Type 3
Heavy focus on achievement. Djokovic is often been vocal about his pursuit of breaking records in tennis and being the #1 ranked player in the world. His focus on success has led him to hold numerous titles and records, including 24 Grand Slam titles.
Work ethic and discipline. Djokovic has a strong work ethic and strict training regimen, which he follows to maintain peak physical condition and continuously improve his skills. Djokovic begins most days with 20 minutes of yoga or tai chi. He'll then play tennis with a training partner for 1.5 hours and then stretch. After lunch, he’ll do a 1-hour workout using weights or bands, drink a protein shake, and then do another 1.5-hour hitting session.
Demeanor of confidence and ease. Djokovic shows up as confident and composed. He is expressive and passionate during matches, displaying his emotions and engaging with the crowd. He can be quite personable in interviews, often showcasing his sense of humor and approachability.
Overcoming adversity. Djokovic grew up in Serbia during a time of political and economic turmoil. Despite these challenging circumstances, he persisted in pursuing his tennis career and developed a strong work ethic, ultimately allowing him to rise to the top of the sport.
Personal branding. Djokovic has been strategic in developing his personal brand, which includes philanthropy, endorsements, and business ventures. His eponymous foundation, the Novak Djokovic Foundation, focuses on providing opportunities for underprivileged children.
Maintaining a positive attitude. Djokovic is known for his optimistic attitude, often expressing gratitude and maintaining a positive outlook in interviews and on social media.
Engaging with the crowd. Djokovic often interacts with the audience during his matches, whether it's through entertaining gestures or by celebrating points enthusiastically. This engagement with the crowd allows him to get attention and create connection with the fans.
Controversial moments on the court. Djokovic has had incidents on the court that reflect his difficulty with emotional regulation while losing. For example, during the 2020 US Open, Djokovic was disqualified for accidentally hitting a linesperson with a ball in a moment of frustration.
Imitating other players. Djokovic is known for his humorous impersonations of fellow tennis players, such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Maria Sharapova. These impersonations, which he has done during exhibitions and off-court events, showcase his ability and desire to connect with other players and his fans, and to maintain an image as a friendly, personable player.
Novak Djokovic quotes that show he is a Type 3
“I want the same thing I've wanted since I was seven years old. I want to be No. 1.”
“It gives me goosebumps and little butterflies in the stomach when I start thinking about the 'golden slam.'”
“When I realized the dream (of winning Wimbledon), I started to set new dreams and new objectives.”
“I always try to adjust to the situation.”
“I am living my childhood dream to compete at the highest levels.”
“Why not grab it [making history with 24 Grand Slam titles] when it [the opportunity] is presented.”
“I think luck falls on not just the brave but also the ones who believe they belong there.”
“You have to consistently be successful to be one of the top players in the world, and everything is possible in life.”
“In my case, I can sincerely say that nothing is impossible... When I was saying I want to be No. 1 of the world, and I was seven or eight years old, most of the people were laughing at me because it seems like I have one percent of chances to do that, and I've done it.”
“People look up to me as somebody who is able to switch the image of our country from negative to positive.”
“In order to stay where I am - and I want to do that - I have to stay dedicated as well as I have been before I became No. 1.”