Famous Nappers 6: Novak Djokovic

Who's that dude?

“Unreal.” “Did he just do that?” “Impossible!” These are a few of the reactions I had watching Novak Djokovic win the U.S. Open.

“Who is Novak Djokovic?” asked non-sports fan and oblivious character Matt, when I told him about my thesis for this post. “Someone you probably wish would replace us in your fantasy friendships, like Lin-Manuel,” I said, still hurt by Matt’s admission that he wishes he would have been friends with LMM, coming only days after I wrote a touching tribute to our friendship.¹

Team sports has its own dynamics in making them a compelling watch apart from the final score of any game. In individual sports like golf, tennis, or shuffleboard, there is a particular advantage for those interested in the “beyond the game” dynamics; namely, it is much simpler to focus on the individual skill and commitment necessary to achieve the highest peaks of the sport. There’s no place to hide a weakness in your game; no way to shrink from the mental toughness necessary to deal with the magnitude of the moment.²

For starters, a champion has to work on the practice court constantly, perfecting her form, practicing every conceivable shot he will face.

For a 24-time major champion like Novak, the personal commitment goes well beyond practicing on the tennis court. He must watch every morsel of food he intakes, making sure to be in peak physical form. The stretching, warm ups, cool downs and body work alone are exhausting — one tiny slip or groin pull could cost him a match.

Tennis court nap…new napping cheat code? Definitely napping in public.

As I watched Novak save impossible points, make intra-game adjustments, and overcome physical maladies, I wondered about one key ingredient to his success: his sleep habits, and of course, any potential napping regimen.

1. This got off the rails quickly, but I’m in pain over Matt’s friendship fantasy.

[Ed. In my defense, Lin-Manuel wrote an even more beautiful tribute to our friendship in my fantasy world, then went on to develop it into a Tony Award-winning musical.]

2. I enjoy the sociological aspect of evaluating success and failure, and it draws me to engage in these sports even though I am awful at playing both.