Tokyo (AFP)
World tennis No.1 Novak Djokovic on Wednesday said the pressure was a "privilege" after US gymnastics star Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from two events highlighted the impact of the pressure on athlete mental health.
"Pressure is a privilege. Without it, there is no professional sport," said the Serbian, still in the running to become the first tennis player to win the "Golden Slam", the four tournaments of the Grand. Slam and Olympic gold the same year.
"To hope to stay at the top of a sport, you have to learn to manage the pressure," he added.
Djokovic was seen in the middle of a conversation with Turkish volleyball teams, assuring them that his mentality was a crucial factor in explaining his longevity.
"On and off the pitch, all the expectations ... I learned to develop a mechanism to deal with it so that it doesn't bother me anymore, it won't wear me out," explained the Djoker.
Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from the team competition and all-around has highlighted the mental health issues that high performance athletes can suffer under enormous pressure.
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