Novak Djokovic's dream season did not turn out as what many has expected after failing to win the last two Grand Slam events of the season. But the Serb still plans to end this year on a winning note once he competes at the next tournaments included in his calendar schedule.
Djokovic failed to defend his US Open title, which would have seen him back to tennis glory after losing out at major events since capturing his first the French Open title in May. But for the 12-time Grand Slam winner, he considers his recent setback a life lesson he plans to carry in his next competitions.
"Life is a big lesson, it's a big book. We keep writing the stories and there is another story to be written," Djokovic said, reports the ATP's official website. "I wish that it was a bit different, but again, I think we learn much more from the losses like this than we do from wins."
"The way I see things is that whether or not you win or lose, at the end of the day you have to be very respectful towards the opponent, towards the sport, towards the occasion, to those people who come to see you."
After completing a non-calendar year Grand Slam in Paris, Djokovic skipped all lead-up tournaments heading to Wimbledon, which has been his routine for the last couple of years. However, the 29-year-old Belgrade native got eliminated in Round of 32 by American Sam Querrey, ending his hopes of a calendar sweep.
Djokovic bounced back at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, defeating Kei Nishikori in the final round of the ATP 1000 Masters event. It was a much-needed boost for Djokovic before competing for the Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but another stumbling block came his way, an upset against Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the opening round of men's singles competition in Rio.
There were high hopes of Djokovic bouncing back at the US Open, and it seemed he was destined to win in New York again after most of his opponents withdrew due to injuries. But it was a failed effort for Djokovic as he got beaten by Wawrinka, who also denied him of a French Open title last year.
Djokovic will have a busy schedule leading to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London as the world No. 1 is set to defend four titles starting at the China Open next month. Djokovic will also defend his crowns at the Shanghai Masters on Oct. 10, BNP Paribas Masters on Oct. 13 and will attempt to win a record-tying sixth title at the Tour finale in London on Nov. 13.
With plenty of days to recuperate from a disappointing loss and barring any possible injuries, Djokovic should be in best form competing in his next tournaments and won't have any shortage of motivation to cap his season on a winning note.
"Of course everybody is playing the sport because they want success in life. What defines success is different for each one of us. For me, success is not just winning tennis matches and winning trophies. It's more than that," Djokovic said.
"I guess my main source of playing tennis, my main source of motivation for playing the sport, is because I really like it."