Novak Djokovic says he almost quit tennis in 2017 for this reason

He said this at a lavish awards show on Monday where he has crowned 2019 Laureus Sportsman of the Year.

The Serbian, who included the Australian Open in January to the Wimbledon and US Open crowns he won in 2018 after coming back from elbow surgery – won the award for a fourth time, beating the likes of France’s World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and NBA superstar LeBron James.

“Last year was an incredible season for me, returning from injury to win Wimbledon and the US Open is something I’ll remember forever,” Djokovic says.

However, he appeared close to tears as he made the heartbreaking revelation that he considered retiring from the sport during his lengthy stint on the sidelines.

“I did think about leaving tennis,” he says. “I did not find myself in a good balance. It took me several months to find that purpose and meaning again.

“This award reflects and symbolizes this journey. Reflecting on it standing here now it seems like a fairytale story but it tells me one thing.

“In those moments of when you are facing adversity and challenges, you should always look inside. I did not understand that fully before but now I know where I can always find strength and belief and to keep on going.” He finished to rapturous applause from the audience.