Novak Djokovic, the holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, has faced recent setbacks on the court, leading to questions about his current form and motivation. A former world No. 9 has suggested that the Serbian superstar may be becoming “too comfortable with losing,” sparking debate among tennis fans and analysts alike. This comes after a shocking defeat at Indian Wells against Botic van de Zandschulp, a lucky loser ranked 85th in the world, adding to a string of underwhelming performances outside of the Grand Slam tournaments.
Indian Wells Shocker: Djokovic Falls to Lucky Loser
Djokovic’s recent loss to Botic van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells has amplified concerns about his current form. Despite winning the second set, Djokovic succumbed to a 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 defeat. This marks his second consecutive loss at Indian Wells to a lucky loser, following a similar upset by Luca Nardi the previous year.
Unforced Errors and Struggles with Rhythm
Djokovic himself acknowledged his struggles during the match, citing difficulties with the court conditions and his inability to find a rhythm. He made a staggering 37 unforced errors, a statistic uncharacteristic of the typically consistent champion. “I regret the level of tennis, considering how I practice these days,” Djokovic confessed, highlighting the disparity between his practice form and match performance.
Adjusting to Court Conditions
Djokovic pointed out the significant difference between the center court and other courts at Indian Wells, noting that the ball was bouncing higher than on some of the highest clay courts. He said he struggled a lot with that and couldn’t find the rhythm.
A Pattern of Underperformance Outside Grand Slams?
Concerns about Djokovic’s form extend beyond the Indian Wells defeat. Examining his results in 2024 and 2025, a pattern emerges of underperformance in tournaments outside the Grand Slams.
Grand Slam Success vs. Smaller Tournament Struggles
While Djokovic has consistently reached the late stages of Grand Slam tournaments, his performance in smaller events has been less impressive. In 2024, his best results outside the Grand Slams were a semi-final appearance in Monte Carlo and a final in Shanghai. Apart from that, he didn’t make a single semi-final in other tournaments. This year, he lost his opening match at the Qatar Open to Matteo Berrettini before his early exit at Indian Wells.
Motivational Factors
This disparity in performance raises questions about Djokovic’s motivation and focus. Some analysts suggest that he may be prioritizing the Grand Slams, where the prestige and historical significance are greatest, while perhaps lacking the same intensity for other tournaments.
Former World No. 9 Sounds the Alarm
The concerns surrounding Djokovic’s recent form have been echoed by prominent figures in the tennis world. A former world No. 9 has voiced concerns that Djokovic may be becoming “too comfortable with losing,” suggesting a potential decline in his competitive drive.
Is Djokovic Losing His Edge?
While it is difficult to ascertain the exact reasons behind Djokovic’s struggles, the comments from the former world No. 9 raise a crucial question: Is Djokovic losing his competitive edge? Has the hunger that fueled his relentless pursuit of Grand Slam titles diminished, replaced by a sense of complacency?
Djokovic’s Perspective: Rustiness and Physical Issues
Following his defeat at Indian Wells, Djokovic attributed his performance to rustiness and the challenges of transitioning from practice courts to the stadium court. He also hinted at unnamed physical issues that may have affected his play.
Acknowledging the Struggle
“I have a couple of good tournaments, but mostly, it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me,” Djokovic admitted, acknowledging the difficulties he has faced in recent months. He also noted that the wind, the sun, and the transition from the practice court to the stadium court, affected him more than they normally would.
The Impact of Age and Olympic Gold
At 37, Djokovic is entering the twilight of his career. The physical demands of professional tennis inevitably take their toll, and it is natural for even the greatest athletes to experience a decline in their physical capabilities over time. He acknowledged feeling “out of gas” due to fatigue.
Fatigue after Olympic Gold
Djokovic secured his first Olympic gold medal in Paris, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final. However, this triumph may have come at a cost, as Djokovic admitted to feeling fatigued upon arriving in New York for the US Open. “I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I did arrive to New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically,” Djokovic said.
Is it Time to Write Djokovic Off?
Djokovic’s recent struggles have prompted some to question whether his reign at the top of men’s tennis is coming to an end. However, it is premature to write off a player of his caliber.
Motivation at Grand Slams
Djokovic’s track record in Grand Slam tournaments demonstrates his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. His motivation and focus appear to be at their peak when competing for these prestigious titles.
Cautious Optimism
While Djokovic’s recent form has been cause for concern, his past achievements and unwavering self-belief suggest that he is capable of bouncing back. Whether he can recapture his dominant form remains to be seen, but it would be unwise to underestimate the resilience and determination of one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
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