Djokovic Lacking Motivation Outside Grand Slams

Djokovic Lacking Motivation Outside Grand Slams

American tennis player Steve Johnson has expressed concerns about Novak Djokovic’s current form following the Serbian’s surprising early exit from the ATP 500 event in Doha. This defeat marked Djokovic’s return to competition after withdrawing from the Australian Open semifinal due to injury, making the loss all the more unexpected in the tennis world.

Concerns Over Djokovic’s Form

As the tennis world enters the 2025 season, questions are growing about Djokovic’s ability to compete at the highest level. 2024 was not a particularly strong year for the Serbian, as he managed to win only one major title—an Olympic gold medal in Paris.

Steve Johnson has raised concerns over Djokovic’s decision to participate in ATP 500 tournaments rather than focusing exclusively on Masters 1000 and Grand Slam events. Many are wondering whether Djokovic’s motivation outside the four Grand Slam tournaments has waned, given his legendary status and extensive career achievements.

Johnson: “Djokovic Lacks the Same Drive in Smaller Events”

Johnson voiced his opinion: “I understand that Djokovic has financial obligations and certain commitments he made previously, but I’m not sure what he truly gains from playing ATP 500 events.”

He also emphasized that Djokovic does not seem to display the same level of motivation at these smaller tournaments compared to his performances in Grand Slams. “I don’t think Djokovic feels the same urge to win in Dubai or Doha as he does in Grand Slam events. That’s understandable because those are the tournaments that define his legacy.”

Additionally, Johnson acknowledged that Djokovic has earned the right to choose where he plays: “Djokovic has reached a point in his career where he has the freedom to decide which tournaments he wants to participate in. That’s completely justifiable.”

The Bigger Question: Can Djokovic Maintain His Dominance in 2025?

Despite these debates, the real question remains—can Djokovic maintain his peak performance throughout the 2025 season, or will he continue to struggle outside of the Grand Slam stage? With his legendary status already cemented in the sport, does he still have the hunger to dominate, or will this be a transitional period as he winds down his illustrious career?

Djokovic’s Uncertain Path Beyond Grand Slams

At 37 years old, Djokovic is no stranger to the physical and mental challenges that come with prolonged dominance in the sport. While younger talents such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune are making their mark, Djokovic has remained a formidable force at Grand Slam events. However, his recent performances outside of those tournaments indicate that his priorities may have shifted.

While some argue that he is merely pacing himself for the bigger tournaments, others believe his motivation for smaller ATP events is fading. This has raised discussions about whether he will continue participating in non-Grand Slam events or shift his focus entirely to the four Majors and select Masters 1000 tournaments.

Djokovic’s Legacy and Tournament Strategy

It is no secret that Djokovic’s primary focus has always been the Grand Slam tournaments. With 23 Grand Slam titles, he remains one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. As he nears the twilight of his career, every tournament he chooses to play—or not play—could impact his final standing among the all-time greats.

Tennis analysts believe Djokovic might adopt a strategy similar to Roger Federer’s late-career approach—limiting his schedule to maximize his performance at the most prestigious events. Johnson’s comments reinforce the idea that Djokovic may no longer have the same drive to compete week in and week out on the ATP tour, but rather to make selective appearances where he believes his presence matters the most.

The Evolution of Motivation in Tennis Veterans

This is not the first time an aging tennis star has faced similar scrutiny. Federer and Rafael Nadal both altered their schedules in their later years to maintain longevity and peak condition for key events. Djokovic, having spent years battling these two legends, might now be facing the same crossroads in his career.

However, unlike Federer and Nadal, who both struggled with recurring injuries in their final years, Djokovic has maintained an impressive level of fitness. This raises another question: is his inconsistency in smaller tournaments purely a matter of motivation, or is it a sign that his body is starting to slow down despite his disciplined regimen?

What’s Next for Djokovic?

With the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open on the horizon, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether Djokovic can regain his momentum outside of the Grand Slams. If he performs well at these tournaments, it could silence critics and prove that his struggles in Doha were merely a minor setback. However, if he continues to underperform at non-Slam events, the discussion surrounding his motivation and future tournament selection will only intensify.

Regardless of the outcome, Djokovic’s legacy is already secured. The Serbian has rewritten the record books and established himself as one of the most dominant athletes in tennis history. But whether he still has the fire to push through another grueling season is a question only time can answer.

For now, the tennis world will watch closely as Djokovic navigates the remainder of the 2025 season, assessing whether his dominance continues or if he begins a gradual decline in favor of preserving his career for the Grand Slam stage.

Djokovic’s Uncertain Path Beyond Grand Slams

At 37 years old, Djokovic is no stranger to the physical and mental challenges that come with prolonged dominance in the sport. While younger talents such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune are making their mark, Djokovic has remained a formidable force at Grand Slam events. However, his recent performances outside of those tournaments indicate that his priorities may have shifted.

While some argue that he is merely pacing himself for the bigger tournaments, others believe his motivation for smaller ATP events is fading. This has raised discussions about whether he will continue participating in non-Grand Slam events or shift his focus entirely to the four Majors and select Masters 1000 tournaments.