Novak Djokovic, the holder of a record 24 Grand Slam titles, is facing a challenge familiar to another tennis legend: Serena Williams. According to Patrick Mouratoglou, Williams’ former coach, Djokovic’s current struggles aren’t about his physical or technical abilities, but about motivation and purpose. This raises questions about Djokovic’s future and whether he can maintain his dominance as he approaches the later stages of his career.
The Motivation Struggle: Djokovic’s “Big Struggle”
Mouratoglou recently spoke on the Tennis Channel, drawing parallels between Djokovic’s situation and Williams’ mindset after chasing Grand Slam records. He suggested that Djokovic’s “big struggle” now is motivation, particularly after surpassing rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam titles.
“We see it with Novak now—that’s his big struggle. The guy, it’s not about his tennis, it’s just about him being—it’s very obvious when he plays matches, and probably when he practices. Yeah, what’s his goal now that he found out to win more Slams than his two big rivals, which were Roger and Rafa?” Mouratoglou said.
This sentiment echoes concerns raised by Rennae Stubbs, another former coach of Serena Williams, who believes that Djokovic has “lost his aura” and that his motivation is waning. Stubbs pointed to Djokovic’s early exits from tournaments and an increase in unforced errors as signs of a deeper issue.
Serena’s Quest for 25 and the Sampras Parallel
Stubbs reflected on Serena Williams’ own pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title, which she ultimately didn’t achieve. She pondered whether not reaching that milestone defined Williams’ career, concluding that it did not. Stubbs then drew a comparison to Pete Sampras, who retired after winning his 14th and final major title at the 2002 US Open, suggesting that Djokovic might follow a similar path.
“Serena really wanted 25 (Major titles), but she didn’t get it and does it define her? No. Of course not. She’s still the greatest female player of all time and arguably the greatest player of all time. Novak now is sitting in that same spot, and I think the only thing that drives him is maybe winning one more and I could see him literally doing a Pete Sampras and dropping the mic and being like, ‘I’m done’,” Stubbs said.
Djokovic’s 2024 Season: A Look at the Numbers
Djokovic himself has described the 2024 season as one of his “worst-performing,” despite a strong 37-9 record. He ended the year without a Grand Slam title, a rare occurrence for the Serbian legend. However, he did capture a meaningful milestone by winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Key Stats from Djokovic’s 2024 Season:
- Overall Win-Loss Record: 37-9 (80.4%)
- Grand Slam Win-Loss Record: 16-3 (Australian Open SF, French Open QF, Wimbledon RU, US Open 3R)
- Titles: 1 (Summer Olympic Games, Gold Medal)
- Runner-ups: 2 (Wimbledon, Shanghai)
- Year-End Ranking: No. 7
Despite the Olympic gold, Djokovic’s performance in the major tournaments fell short of his usual standards. He surrendered his Australian Open title to Jannik Sinner, suffered a quarterfinal loss at the French Open, and was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. At the US Open, Djokovic admitted to playing “some of the worst tennis I have ever played.”
Serena’s Challenges: Injuries, Illness, and Personal Hardships
Serena Williams’ career, while filled with unparalleled success, was also marked by significant challenges. She faced injuries, illnesses, and personal hardships that tested her resilience. In 2011, she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that threatened her life. Despite this, she returned to the court with even greater determination, winning multiple Grand Slam titles in the years that followed.
Williams also made headlines in 2017 when she won the Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant with her daughter, Olympia. Her ability to continue performing at the highest level while navigating motherhood further solidified her status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
However, her return to tennis after childbirth was not without difficulties. Williams struggled with health complications, including another pulmonary embolism after her C-section delivery. But as always, Williams remained focused on her goals, coming back stronger and reaching several Grand Slam finals, even as she balanced the demands of being a new mother.
The Impact of Age and the Rise of New Stars
Both Djokovic and Williams have had to contend with the challenges of age and the rise of new stars on the tennis scene. At 37, Djokovic is facing increasing competition from younger players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have demonstrated the ability to defeat him on the biggest stages.
Similarly, Williams faced a new generation of talented players who were eager to challenge her dominance. While she remained competitive in her later years, she was unable to add to her Grand Slam total after 2017.
The Mental and Emotional Toll
The pursuit of excellence in professional sports can take a significant mental and emotional toll on athletes. The pressure to perform, the constant travel, and the intense competition can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation.
Serena Williams openly discussed her struggles with the pressures of balancing her career, family, and health. She became a vocal advocate for women’s health and maternal care, particularly for Black women, who face higher risks of complications during childbirth.
Djokovic, too, has acknowledged the mental challenges he faces. After winning the Olympic gold medal in 2024, he admitted to feeling “out of gas” at the US Open, suggesting that the emotional and physical exertion of the Olympics had taken a toll.
Can Djokovic Regain His Motivation?
The question remains whether Djokovic can regain his motivation and continue to compete at the highest level. Mouratoglou believes that it all depends on finding a new purpose and setting new goals.
“Because once I do that, what am I going to do?’ So that always chasing something for her was very important. She always had a big goal in mind that was motivating her, because of course it is difficult to imagine how it feels to win so many Grand Slams, but I guess the motivation at some point. And we see it with Novak now, that’s his big struggle. It’s not about his tennis, it’s just about him being…it’s very obvious when he plays matches and probably when he practices. Yeah, what’s his goal now that he found out how to win more Slams than how two big rivals which were Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal]?” Mouratoglou said.
Djokovic has already achieved almost everything there is to achieve in tennis. He holds the record for most Grand Slam titles, most weeks at No. 1, and most ATP Masters 1000 titles. However, his desire to continue breaking records and cementing his legacy could provide the motivation he needs to overcome his current struggles.
A Grim Reality Check?
Patrick Mouratoglou has also offered a “grim reality check” for Djokovic. He predicted that Djokovic will end his career earlier than 41 years old, stating, “I don’t feel his motivation is going to last four more years.” This stark assessment highlights the challenges Djokovic faces in maintaining his drive and passion for the game as he gets older.
Rennae Stubbs, while acknowledging Djokovic’s current struggles, hasn’t written him off completely. She believes he can still win a Grand Slam, but that it’s becoming increasingly difficult.
“Do I think he can still win a slam, of course! He’s the greatest player of all time BUT it’s getting harder & harder every week because I don’t care who you are, you can’t buy confidence! U have to earn it & currently his confidence is getting chipped away at more & more,” Stubbs said.
The Road Ahead
Novak Djokovic’s future in tennis remains uncertain. While his talent and accomplishments are undeniable, his motivation and mental state will be crucial factors in determining his success in the years to come. Whether he can rediscover his passion for the game and overcome the challenges he faces remains to be seen. As he continues his journey, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if he can once again reach the heights he has previously achieved.
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