What Novak Djokovic’s physio claims he does for other players which people have ‘no idea’ about

Novak Djokovic is one of the sport's most polarising figures.

Many love the man they call 'Nole', while others take issue with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Incidents such as Djokovic's deportation from Australia and his disqualification from the 2020 US Open have split opinion.

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But what is Djokovic really like behind the scenes? His physio, Carlos Costa, has now given an insight into his true character.

Novak Djokovic's physio says he 'loves' helping younger players

Appearing as a guest on 'A BOLA', Costa said the following about Djokovic.

"He loves helping younger players. He often stops training to give advice to other players, even those he is competing against on the tour. Not long ago, [Felix] Auger-Aliassime asked him for some advice, and Novak immediately helped him. The same thing happened with [Joao] Fonseca. People have no idea how much he helps other players," he said.

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Djokovic has played Felix Auger-Aliassime and Joao Fonseca this year, beating the Canadian at Wimbledon after losing to the Brazilian at Roland Garros.

Wimbledon QF – Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6

Roland Garros 3R – Joao Fonseca defeated Novak Djokovic, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5

The Serb also helps those he isn't competing against. Djokovic has advised American youngster Iva Jovic on several occasions. He may not always have been the most popular player, but you can't say Djokovic isn't giving back to the sport.

So, the next time you're about to question Djokovic's character, maybe consider all the players he has helped over the years. Chances are that whoever you are supporting will have received advice from the Serb at some point.

Carlos Costa says he has never seen anyone like Novak Djokovic as he recalls Jannik Sinner story

Costa spoke at length about Djokovic's attention to detail, remembering when the 39-year-old enquired about a training method Jannik Sinner was using.

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"I have never seen anything like Novak Djokovic. His vision, what he puts in every single day on the court, and his intensity. I had seen something similar before, but never with Djokovic's consistency. He pays attention to every detail. The amount of time it takes us to give him his towel… if there is something that is not planned, there is friction. He even goes as far as creating tests within the team to find out whether we are really looking for the best recovery strategies and providing the best treatments," he said.

"For example, he asked us why [Jannik] Sinner does eye training, and we didn't. He is constantly looking for ways to be the best in the world.

"I am always trying to stay as up to date as possible. I even take courses with physiotherapists from other sports; I try to learn from other sports. But sometimes he sees videos or notices other players doing different things in the locker room, and he is always asking why we don't do the same. And our answer can't take too long! We are constantly looking for ways to improve."

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner's head-to-head record (5-7)

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner's head-to-head record

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It's no surprise that Djokovic is keeping an eye on Sinner and his training methods. The Italian is the world number one and has won five Grand Slams since the Serb last won a major. He also leads their head-to-head 7-5 and beat Djokovic comfortably at Wimbledon earlier this year.

If Djokovic is to return to the top of men's tennis and win an elusive 25th Grand Slam he will need every edge he can find. He will play his first match since the US Open in Beijing, when the China Open starts on Monday, September 28.

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