Novak Djokovic may still be one of tennis’ most formidable competitors, but questions are starting to swirl around the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s future after his recent semifinal defeat at Roland Garros.
In an interview last year, Djokovic reflected on the duality of his current mindset, revealing that he still carries the passion of his younger self, but that a more mature version of him is gaining prominence.
“But at the same time, there’s probably a more mature Novak, a father and a husband, who is like, ‘Come on, man. There are other things in life too,'” he said.
“I’m unmotivated and less inspired to travel and play when I want to be at home and have a normal life.”
Despite these admissions, Djokovic continues to compete and win. Just days after turning 38 on May 22, he claimed the 100th title of his career in Geneva.
However, the bigger is to clinch a record-extending 25th Grand Slam. His latest attempt ended in a tough semifinal loss to current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros, a match that raised eyebrows not just for its result but for what it revealed about Djokovic‘s state of mind and body.
Former pros sense a shift in Djokovic’s self-belief
Djokovic‘s form this season has been uneven, to say the least. After an early exit from Indian Wells, he conceded that something had shifted in recent years.
“I’ve been struggling to play at the desired level,” he admitted.
But he was defiant just weeks later after reaching the final of the Miami Open, declaring, “I still have it in my legs, in my hands, in my arms.”
That fighting spirit, however, didn’t fully show up in Paris against Sinner. Watching Djokovic‘s defeat, former Australian pro Luke Saville offered a somber evaluation during an interview with Australian Open TV.
“He has 24 Slams, you know he’s got that record sewn up. He’s won every event there is, all the Masters, the most Master series, weeks at number one. But I sort of felt like watching him against Sinner, it was the first time I felt like he sort of didn’t have that belief, in my opinion,” Saville said.
“I could be wrong, but just watching him, it was like I felt like there was a realization from him that he can’t compete at this level with those top two anymore.”
It’s not the first time concern has been voiced. Rennae Stubbs bluntly said that he worries “the motivation is gone.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of Serena Williams, drew a telling comparison.
“What’s his goal now that he found out to win more Slams than his two big rivals, which were Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal]?” he said.
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