Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is under pressure to reverse his recent form slump, with former world No. 2 Alex Corretja suggesting it’s crucial for him to “start winning some matches.” The Serbian superstar is currently competing at the Miami Open, his first appearance there since 2019, but arrives seeking to regain his top form after early losses in Indian Wells and Doha.
Corretja’s Concerns and a Potential Solution
Corretja, now a TNT Sports expert, has voiced concerns about Djokovic’s recent performances, stating that his losing streak might be “a bit worrying”. He also questioned whether Djokovic’s motivation levels remain as high as in the past. Djokovic, who will turn 38 in May, has lost his last three matches in a row for the first time since 2018, a rare occurrence for the tennis legend.
Corretja offered a potential “solution” for Djokovic to rediscover his dangerous form: “I think the solution is to play only the tournaments that you really feel like playing, and give your 100 percent there. Don’t save energy for other events that are not worth it for you. Commit to that because it is impossible to keep your momentum for the whole year.” This advice suggests a more selective approach to tournaments, focusing on those where Djokovic feels fully invested and capable of performing at his peak.
Djokovic’s Perspective and Goals
Djokovic has acknowledged his struggles, admitting after his defeat at Indian Wells that he was “struggling to play on the desired level”. He also stated, “Things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level. Every now and then, I have couple good tournaments, but, you know, mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me.”
Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains motivated and has no plans to retire soon. He is targeting more tournament wins and a higher ranking in 2025. He seeks his 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam victory. “The way I’m feeling today, I still think that I can go strong for years to come,” he said, though acknowledging uncertainty about his future motivation. “But how long I’m going to feel motivated to keep going is unpredictable. I still love this sport and I still love competing.”
The Road Ahead: Miami Open and Beyond
Djokovic is competing at the Miami Open for the first time in six years, aiming to win the tournament for a record seventh time and secure his 100th career title. He is just one title shy of capturing his 100th tour-level crown. Should he win his seventh Miami trophy, Djokovic would break his tie with Andre Agassi for most titles at the hard-court event.
Despite the recent skid, Djokovic is drawing on his semi-final run at the Australian Open as evidence that he can still contend for trophies. “It’s still encouraging for me to experience the way I was playing in Australia. I’m still able to win against the likes of Alcaraz,” said Djokovic, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a four-set quarter-final in Melbourne before retiring in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev. “That’s probably the biggest reason why I still keep pushing myself, motivating myself, because I know I still have it in my legs, my hands, my arms. I still have that tennis level that can put…”
After Miami, Djokovic will target the clay season as he builds up to his two big goals for the summer: the French Open and Wimbledon.
Factors Contributing to Djokovic’s Recent Form
Several factors may be contributing to Djokovic’s recent struggles:
- Age and Physical Condition: At 37, Djokovic is no longer the young, dominant force he once was. While he remains in remarkable shape, age inevitably takes its toll.
- Motivation: After achieving so much in his career, including an Olympic gold medal, Djokovic may be struggling to find the same level of motivation.
- Competition: The rise of young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has created a more competitive landscape, making it harder for Djokovic to win consistently.
- Injury: Djokovic has dealt with some injuries recently which may have impacted his ability to train and compete at his best. He suffered a hamstring injury which forced him to retire from his semi-finals showdown against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open.
The Belief of Other Players
Alex Corretja suggested that other players in the men’s circuit have begun to believe that they can beat Djokovic. “You feel like you’re practicing quite well…and your level is quite high, and you’re playing with players, and you feel like you can beat them, but somehow, when you play matches, tournaments, you struggle. Then, you lose a bit of speed on your movement, you don’t hit the ball as hard, or maybe you get a bit late to the ball, or maybe things are not as clear in your head and then you start losing those matches where before, maybe you found a way.”
He added, “Once it happens, people start thinking they can beat you, and they go on court thinking ‘I’m going to hang in there because he’s struggling a little bit’, whereas before, maybe they would have given up because they knew that it was just impossible. So it’s a combination.”
Djokovic’s Possible Draw at the Miami Open
Djokovic returns to the Miami Open after a five-year absence. The Serbian arrives with doubts following his performance in Indian Wells, and his draw in the Florida tournament requires him to step up before embarking on the European clay court swing. The six-time champion of the tournament faces an edition with an optimistic draw, although in the quarterfinals is where he could encounter top-level opponents. And the incentive of facing Carlos Alcaraz in a potential semifinal.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic faces a crucial period in his career as he seeks to regain his top form and continue to compete for major titles. With concerns raised about his motivation and the increased belief of his opponents, it’s essential for him to start winning matches and re-establish his dominance on the court. Whether he can overcome these challenges and add to his already impressive legacy remains to be seen, but the tennis world will be watching closely.
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