Djokovic’s Honest Take: “Not Favored,” But Still Hungry

Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has recently offered a surprisingly candid assessment of his current form and chances for future titles. While acknowledging that he may not be the top favorite at every tournament, his competitive fire still burns bright. Let’s delve into Djokovic’s recent performances, his mindset, and what the future may hold for the tennis legend.

A Champion’s Perspective

In recent interviews and press conferences, Djokovic has openly discussed his evolving perspective on the game. With the retirement of long-time rivals like Roger Federer and with Rafael Nadal likely nearing the end of his career, Djokovic has admitted that his motivation might not be quite the same as it once was. The intense rivalries that fueled his relentless drive for years are fading, but that doesn’t mean his desire to compete has diminished.

“I still feel the desire to play, the passion to compete is always there,” Djokovic stated. He emphasized that Grand Slams remain the tournaments where he finds the most motivation to excel. This strategic focus suggests a shift in priorities, with Djokovic now concentrating his energy on the biggest stages in tennis.

Recent Performances: A Mixed Bag

Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows, particularly when measured against the extremely high standards he has set throughout his career.

• Australian Open: He broke Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played, marking his 430th Grand Slam singles match.

• Early Exits: He faced early exits in Dubai and Indian Wells, marking his longest winless run since 2018.

• Miami Open: He made a strong comeback at the Miami Open, reaching the final and equaling Roger Federer’s record of reaching at least one tour-level final for 20 consecutive seasons.

• Monte Carlo Masters: Djokovic suffered a “horrible” straight-set defeat to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo, leading to a public apology for his performance.

• Madrid Open: He is participating in the Madrid Open for the first time since 2022, seeking his 100th career title. He has received a favorable draw.

Djokovic himself has acknowledged these inconsistent results. “I’m always optimistic, but I don’t know if I’m one of the favorites because I’m not having very good results this year,” he said before the Madrid Open. This honesty reflects a realistic assessment of his current form while maintaining hope for improvement.

The Mental Game: Motivation and Priorities

Djokovic’s comments reveal a shift in his approach to tennis. While he remains fiercely competitive, his priorities seem to be evolving. He has stated that becoming world number one is not his primary goal in 2025. “My objective is to be able to play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and the tournaments where I participate,” he explained. “I’m happy to win a Grand Slam and a big tournament rather than getting to number one. Right now that’s more important for me.”

This perspective suggests a strategic focus on the biggest tournaments, where he can maximize his impact and cement his legacy. Instead of chasing ranking points and playing a demanding schedule, Djokovic appears to be prioritizing quality over quantity, carefully selecting events where he feels he can perform at his best.

Physical Challenges and Coaching Changes

Djokovic, now 37 years old, is also navigating the physical challenges that come with age. Throughout 2025, he has dealt with “various inopportune illnesses and injuries,” which have undoubtedly affected his preparation and performance.

In a notable move, Djokovic has teamed up with Andy Murray as part of his coaching team. This partnership brings together two of the greatest players of their generation, with Murray’s tactical insights and experience potentially providing a fresh perspective and valuable guidance to Djokovic.

The Road Ahead: Madrid and Beyond

Looking ahead, Djokovic’s immediate focus is on the Madrid Open, where he is aiming to build momentum ahead of the French Open. Despite his recent struggles, he has received a favorable draw in Madrid, offering him a good opportunity to regain his form and confidence.

• Madrid Open Draw: Djokovic has a first-round bye and will then face either Matteo Arnaldi or a qualifier. Potential opponents in later rounds include Frances Tiafoe, Ugo Humbert, Jack Draper, Tommy Paul, and possibly Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals.

Djokovic is approaching the Madrid Open with cautious optimism. “The level I’m looking for could come here or at Roland-Garros, I hope it will be here,” he said. His history in Spain and his love for the country could provide a positive environment for him to rediscover his best tennis.

The Quest for 100 Titles

One of Djokovic’s significant goals is to reach 100 career titles. Currently, he has 99 titles and is eager to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only players in the Open Era to achieve this milestone. Winning his 100th title would be a significant accomplishment and further solidify his place in tennis history.

The Next Generation

Djokovic is also aware of the rising stars in tennis, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and others. He acknowledges the challenge posed by these young players, who are hungry for success and eager to dethrone the established champions.

Despite the emergence of this “Next Gen” of talent, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level. His experience, mental fortitude, and tactical acumen are valuable assets that can help him overcome the physical advantages of younger opponents.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Tennis analysts and commentators have offered various perspectives on Djokovic’s current situation. Some believe that his age and recent struggles indicate a decline, while others maintain that he is still capable of winning major titles.

One analyst noted that Djokovic has followed a pattern in recent seasons: “disappointing results in March followed by a slow start to the clay season and then a roll in Gar’s title or at the very least a deep run after playing his way into form.” This suggests that Djokovic may be a slow starter but can peak at the right time for the Grand Slams.

Djokovic’s Enduring Legacy

Regardless of his future results, Novak Djokovic’s legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is secure. His record-breaking achievements, including 24 Grand Slam titles, speak for themselves. He has consistently defied expectations, overcome adversity, and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in tennis.

His impact on the sport extends beyond his on-court accomplishments. He has inspired millions of fans around the world with his dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship. He has also used his platform to advocate for important causes and promote the growth of tennis globally.

Final Thoughts

Novak Djokovic’s recent admission that he is “not one of the favorites” may surprise some, but it reflects a realistic assessment of his current form and priorities. While he faces challenges from younger players and the inevitable effects of aging, his competitive spirit remains strong. With a strategic focus on the Grand Slams and a willingness to adapt his game, Djokovic is still capable of achieving great things in tennis. Whether he wins more titles or not, his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats is firmly established.