Novak Djokovic has confessed that he struggles to stay motivated in tennis following Rafael Nadal's retirement from the sport last year.
Nadal decided to bring the curtain down on a glittering career back in November, having won 22 Grand Slam titles - with a staggering 14 of those coming at the French Open.
With Andy Murray also retiring last year, and Roger Federer already gone, it leaves Djokovic as the final man of the 'big four' standing.
The Serb will begin his quest for French Open glory against Mackenzie McDonald on Monday.
Novak Djokovic has confessed that he struggles to stay motivated in tennis following Rafael Nadal's retirement from the sport last year
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But Djokovic, who recently won his 100th singles title, has now confessed that he struggles to motivate himself now that Nadal is no longer around.
He said, per Puntodebreak.com: “For me, it’s been very difficult to stay motivated to compete after his retirement.
"Honestly, I didn't think it would affect me this way, but I feel like a part of me has gone with him, and it's been a huge challenge for me to regain the joy on the court and the strength to continue competing.
"When Rafa left tennis, I felt something I'd never experienced before.
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"I thought, 'What do I do now?' On the court, I've felt discouraged, but luckily, I've found other things that inspire me to continue, and after six months, I can say that I feel much better.”
Nadal is, without a doubt, the best clay court player of all time.
He was given a special ceremony on Sunday at Roland Garros, with Djokovic, Murray and Federer all in attendance.
Nadal, reflecting on the day, stated: “I can’t describe the emotions I felt.
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Novak Djokovic embraced Rafael Nadal at a special French Open ceremony on Sunday
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"I thought it would be for today or for the duration of this year's tournament, but when they told me it would be forever, I can't describe the emotions I felt.”
Nadal also turned to his former rivals and said: "After all these years fighting for everything it's unbelievable how the time changes perspective of everything.
"You don’t know yet, Novak. Probably you know already, Andy. With Roger, we have talked about it a couple times.
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“All of the nerves, pressure, strange feelings you feel when we see each other when we are rivals. It’s completely different when you finish your career.
"At the end, now, it’s all about being happy about everything that we achieved.
"At the end, all of us achieved our dreams. We became tennis players. Played in the most important stages of our careers.
Novak Djokovic will be aiming to win the French Open once again in 2025
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“I think we built amazing rivalries but at the same time in a good way.
"We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respect each other very well.”
Nadal won 112 of his 116 French Open matches during his career. Who ends up reigning supreme this time around, however, remains to be seen.