'I don’t understand': Patrick Mouratoglou questions Novak Djokovic's approach after series of disappointing results this season

Famous tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has questioned Novak Djokovic’s approach in this season. The 37-year-old, who is arguably regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many 24 Grand Slam titles, is going through a lean patch according to his own high standards.

Djokovic has not won a single ATP or Grand Slam title since the start of 2024. His only achievement in the last 18 months has been winning an Olympic gold medal for his country in Paris, where he defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 7-6. This year, the former world number one has been featured in seven events, and he only managed to book his place in the quarterfinal or beyond on three occasions. Not only that, but Djokovic has not been able to cement his spot in the final of any competition this year.

Famous tennis coach Mouratoglou, in a video posted on his official account on the social media platform Instagram, questioned Djokovic’s strategy this season. The 54-year-old stated that he could not understand the logic behind the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s decision to feature in so many events where he was not even trying to win the games. Mouratoglou also stated that in his opinion, the majority of Djokovic’s poor results in the recent past are down to his lack of motivation.

“I was very surprised to see Novak play like that in Monte Carlo and then again in Madrid,” said Mouratoglou. “For a guy like him, if he doesn’t feel like playing, if he doesn’t have the motivation, I don’t think he should play because he didn’t even look like he was trying to win. I am not saying he is not able to play better, he is for sure able to play much better, but I felt like he was not prepared physically. I mean, tennis-wise, physically, for those tournaments because he doesn’t have the motivation – and no judgment there. But the question is ‘Why did he play then?’ I don’t understand. Motivation is a big thing for him, it’s all about it, and I’ve been saying that now for quite a long time. After his great season [in 2023] and then last season that was far from his level, except the Olympic Games, it was obvious that he needs one target to really get his focus and motivation. The real question is can he manage to not play matches and get ready for such a big event as a Grand Slam? Nothing replaces matches. Of course he doesn’t need to play a lot, but he needs to play a few that he is going to win with the right mindset. To think ‘I am going to go to a Grand Slam and suddenly everything is going to click’ is quite a bet. I have questions [about this decision].”