In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where every edge counts, the opportunity to train with a living legend like Novak Djokovic is more than just a session on the court; it`s a profound investment in one`s psychological fortitude. For Russian tennis player Marat Sharipov, currently ranked 276th in the world, recent sparring sessions in Belgrade offered precisely that — a “psychological boost” that far outweighs any technical adjustments.
Sharipov’s journey recently led him to the heart of Serbian tennis, where he found himself not only sharing the court with top-100 players like Miomir Kecmanovic but, more significantly, engaging in a rare training session with the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic himself. This experience, just a week before Djokovic clinched his 100th career title in Geneva, sparked a whimsical thought: did Sharipov inadvertently contribute to the legend`s milestone?
“No… I don`t think so,” Sharipov responded with a chuckle, dismissing the notion with humble realism. Yet, the impact of those hours was undeniably profound in other, more personal ways.
The Djokovic Paradigm: Efficiency and Focus
One might expect a player of Djokovic’s caliber to engage in grueling, marathon training sessions. Sharipov`s observations, however, reveal a different, more disciplined approach.
“Novak has been training for very short periods lately – a maximum of an hour and a half,” Sharipov noted. “Before Geneva, he trained for the same amount of time. Overall, when Novak trains, he is extremely focused, maximally. They train a little, but very productively. They manage to work through everything they need, all the key moments for him.”
This insight underscores the meticulous efficiency that defines elite performance. It`s not merely about the quantity of hours, but the unwavering quality and concentration applied to each moment on court. For an aspiring player like Sharipov, witnessing this level of distilled focus is a lesson in itself, a blueprint for optimizing one`s own practice.
The Undeniable Psychological Edge
When questioned about the primary benefit of training with such luminaries, Sharipov didn`t hesitate to pinpoint the psychological aspect. While physical conditioning and technical refinement are always ongoing, the mental uplift is incomparable.
“In fact, for psychology, such training gives more of a boost,” Sharipov explained. “Because sometimes such players say things about you – that you are a good player or something like that. This adds motivation, because then you go to play a Challenger and you think: `Damn, if I just trained with guys from the top 100, why can`t I play well there?` Nobody stops me from performing well after such training.”
These aren`t just empty compliments; they are powerful affirmations from the pinnacle of the sport. A word of encouragement from Djokovic, an acknowledgment of potential, can be the critical difference for a player navigating the challenging lower echelons of the ATP tour. It instills a belief that transcends technique, fueling ambition and resilience when it matters most.
A Nod from the Legend
Djokovic, known for his keen eye and mentorship, did offer specific feedback to Sharipov. Though not a detailed technical breakdown, it was a validation of his inherent ability.
“I wouldn`t say he said anything specific. He said that I have good potential in my game, that I have shots to play at a high level in the future. But I wouldn`t highlight anything overtly specific,” Sharipov recalled.
This subtle endorsement speaks volumes. For a player ranked 276th, hearing such words from the world`s best is an invaluable stamp of approval, a potent reminder that his hard work is recognized and his trajectory is promising.
A Serbian Tennis Brotherhood
Beyond Djokovic, Sharipov`s recent training experiences in Belgrade highlight a supportive ecosystem within Serbian tennis. His interactions extend to several other top players, fostering a rich environment for growth:
- Miomir Kecmanovic: A consistent presence in the top ranks.
- Hamad Medjedovic: A close friend from their junior days, with whom Sharipov played doubles in Grand Slams. Their shared past, including a coach at Tipsarevic`s academy, forms a strong bond.
- Dušan Lajović: Though recently outside the top 100, Lajović has been a top-50 player, offering invaluable experience.
- Filip Krajinović: A recently retired player who now coaches, but previously a training partner.
- Laslo Djere: Another familiar face on the tour.
These opportunities are meticulously arranged by Sharipov`s coaching team, leveraging their connections within the tennis community to provide him with the best possible sparring partners. It illustrates that success in tennis is not merely about individual talent, but also about the quality of one`s network and the support system surrounding them.
The Road Ahead
Marat Sharipov’s encounters with Novak Djokovic and the Serbian tennis elite are more than just fleeting moments; they are strategic building blocks. The technical lessons are important, the physical demands are constant, but the psychological empowerment derived from such experiences is truly transformative. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, a boost in confidence and a belief in one`s potential, endorsed by the greatest of all time, can be the ultimate game-changer for a rising star aiming to carve his own path to the top.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow