Is Novak Djokovic Nearing His Peak Performance Once Again?

Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has recently hinted at a resurgence in his form, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he’s on the verge of reaching his peak once again. After a series of setbacks and struggles, the Serbian superstar is showing signs of renewed vigor and determination. But is this a genuine return to form, or just a fleeting glimpse of his past dominance?

Djokovic Lowers Expectations Amidst Clay Court Preparations

In early April 2024, prior to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Djokovic openly discussed his “low expectations” for the tournament, citing his less-than-stellar performances earlier in the season. He acknowledged a challenging start to the year, including a semi-final loss at the Australian Open and an early exit at Indian Wells. Djokovic emphasized the need to “build my game on clay courts and trying to reach the peak again,” recognizing that achieving top form on clay requires more time for players like himself. Despite his past successes in Monte-Carlo, with titles in 2013 and 2015, he admitted that the last few editions of the tournament hadn’t been particularly successful.

Djokovic’s approach to the clay season reflects a long-term strategy, with the Paris Olympics as a major target. He stated his desire to “reach my peak for Paris,” viewing other tournaments as stepping stones towards that goal.

The Mental Fortitude of a Champion

Djokovic’s resilience has long been recognized as a key factor in his success. An expert from the University of Portsmouth noted that Djokovic has openly advocated for mental training, emphasizing resilience as a core element. Djokovic himself has spoken about incorporating mindfulness into his routine, dedicating time to it both before and after training. This mental discipline allows him to remain calm and focused under pressure, a defining trait throughout his career.

His openness to adapt and learn from both successes and failures has also been crucial. By reflecting on his mental, physical, and tactical approaches, he has continuously developed his game. Mindfulness remains a key component of his training, helping him manage stress and stay present during intense competition.

Physical Training and Adaptations

Djokovic’s training regimen is renowned for its intensity and comprehensiveness. It involves a combination of tennis drills, practice matches, and physical fitness workouts, often spanning four to five hours a day, six days a week. His fitness program encompasses strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and speed drills. Even on his “active rest” days, he engages in stretching and yoga to aid recovery.

Specific exercises that Djokovic regularly incorporates include:

• Yoga and Pilates: Enhancing flexibility, balance, and core strength, reducing the risk of injury. Poses like Downward Dog, Warrior, and Pigeon Pose are used to stretch and strengthen muscles.
• Resistance Training: Exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts to build muscular strength, especially in the lower body, crucial for explosive movements.
• Plyometric Exercises: Stair jumping, box jumps, and mini hurdle jumps to generate power for overhead smashes and serves.
• Resistance Band Exercises: Improving shoulder and arm stability, enabling precise and controlled movements.

He also adapts his training techniques for different surfaces, ensuring he’s prepared for any challenge, and emphasizes the importance of mental recuperation, including reading and spending time with family, to maintain a balanced life.

Recent Setbacks and Concerns

Despite his efforts, Djokovic’s recent form has raised concerns among some observers. Alex Corretja, a TNT Sports expert, noted that Djokovic had lost three matches in a row for the first time since 2018. Corretja questioned whether Djokovic’s motivation levels might be a factor and suggested that the solution might be to “play only the tournaments that you really feel like playing, and give your 100 per cent there.”

Rennae Stubbs, a tennis coach, has also voiced concerns about Djokovic’s increasing struggles with injuries, which have impacted his 2025 season. She noted that his performance has been visibly affected, and that age and lack of consistent play might be taking a toll.

Focusing on the Olympics

Despite recent setbacks, Djokovic has made it clear that his priority for the 2025 season is to peak for the Paris Olympics. A gold medal is one of the few achievements missing from his illustrious career, and he is determined to contend for it. The Olympic tennis event will be played on clay at Roland-Garros, a venue where he has had considerable success, winning the French Open three times.

Expert Opinion

Andy Murray is currently coaching Novak Djokovic. Murray is a former world No. 1 tennis player himself, and has won three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. Murray brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Djokovic’s team.

Conclusion

Whether Novak Djokovic can truly reach his peak again remains to be seen. While he faces challenges related to age, injuries, and motivation, his proven resilience, mental strength, and strategic focus on key events like the Paris Olympics suggest that he cannot be counted out.