Novak Djokovic, 37, has faced extraordinary criticism from a legendary tennis coach after a difficult start to 2025 so far.
The Serbian has been knocked out in his opening match in both the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open, after losing the final of the Miami Open to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
The world number six has failed to win an ATP tournament since 2023, which has led to questions over the legend’s motivation for the sport.
Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou slammed the Serb for showing a lack of drive, questioning why Djokovic played the tournaments at all.
Novak Djokovic lost to Italian Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid Open round of 64
Reuters
Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams for a decade, said: “It's like that for a guy like him, if he doesn't have the motivation, then he shouldn't even be playing, because it seemed like he wasn't even trying to win.
"I'm not saying he's not capable of playing better, he certainly is, but I feel like he's physically not ready.
The coach continued: “Tennis-wise, physically, for such tournaments, especially because there is no motive. The question arises, why did he play them then? I don't understand that. Motivation is a big thing for him, everything revolves around that and I've been saying that for a while."
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Novak Djokovic also lost to Alejandro Tabilo in the Monte Carlo Masters Round of 32
Reuters
Djokovic is looking to become the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era as the French Open creeps closer.
He is level with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have all won their last major at the age of 36.
Djokovic will want to surpass both of his long-term rivals, as well as the record held by Ken Rosewall, who won the Australian Open at 37.
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However, Djokovic’s current form would not suggest a record-breaking grand slam is on the cards, and Mouratoglou took no prisoners with his scathing view, saying: "I was surprised by his performance in Monte Carlo and then in Madrid.
"He obviously needs to have one goal to focus on. The question is, can he allow himself not to play matches and prepare for the Grand Slams? Nothing can replace playing matches.
"Of course he doesn't have to play a lot, but he has to have at least a few matches that will give him the right attitude. Thinking like, 'I'm going to a Grand Slam and everything will suddenly be fine,' that's a real gamble. I question his decision not to play."
Patrick Mouratoglou (right) coached Serena Williams (left) for ten years
PA
"Of course he doesn't have to play a lot, but he has to have at least a few matches that will give him the right attitude. Thinking like, 'I'm going to a Grand Slam and everything will suddenly be fine,' that's a real gamble. I question his decision not to play."
Djokovic is currently on a three-game losing streak, and has seen his ATP ranking drop to eighth - the final qualification spot, and 10 points behind seventh (Jakub Mensik).
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But, the Serb is just five points ahead of Francisco Cerundolo in ninth, who is himself only 15 points ahead of Ben Shelton in tenth.
It is certain that Djokovic will need a drastic turn of form in order for him to reach ATP glory again, for the first time in two years.
