What Djokovic learned from meditation
SIXTH-TIME champion Novak Djokovic is known to meditate between matches, and the monks at the Buddhapadipa Temple, which is a five-minute walk away from Wimbledon, credit the practice as the secret to his success.
This unlikely fanbase of holy men claim that the Serbian tennis star is “our friend” and a regular visitor to the site.
The temple is situated just outside the grounds of the All England Club and Djokovic has become the site’s most famous visitor.
Piyobhaso, the minister of religion and the senior monk in charge of meditation at Buddhapadipa, told the Times, “I want him to be the champion.
“He was like our friend – he was regular to the temple and he was known to the temple community.”
Piyobhaso reportedly added: “Djokovic made it clear that he is not a Buddhist but he likes meditation. What it means is you are trying to develop the quality of the mind, trying to build up concentration, feel relaxed and peaceful.”
Djokovic is reported to have chosen to meditate in the mornings when the place has fewer visitors. But despite this, and the fact that he is an Orthodox Christian, the local Buddhist community are his ardent supporters.
Sue Stevens, 73, a Thai woman who lives in Richmond was quoted as saying, “Every day when it’s tennis season, we sit down and watch. He only comes to the temple occasionally when it’s important. I still support him.”
The other Buddhists and community members also revealed they were big fans of the tennis star.
Piyobhaso said, “He didn’t attend the classes provided by the temple, but he just meditated on his own. He spent about 30 minutes or an hour on the grounds and he preferred to spend time in the park area and the lake.
“He said meditation helps with his tennis. And because of meditation he could keep focused on whatever he was doing at that moment. When he plays tennis, he just focuses game to game, he doesn’t plan ahead. Just focus on the game, that’s what he gained from meditation.”