Novak Djokovic Admits ‘Emotional’ Issues That ‘Never Happened Before’

Novak Djokovic Admits ‘Emotional’ Issues That ‘Never Happened Before’

Novak Djokovic remains a hot topic in the tennis world as former world No. 21 Steve Johnson raises questions about his current plans, particularly his surprising decision to participate in the Qatar Open. Djokovic’s unexpected early exit from the ATP 500 tournament in Doha—where he lost 7-6(4), 6-2 to Matteo Berrettini in the opening round—has only fueled speculation about his form and mindset.

Djokovic’s Unexpected Decision to Play at the Qatar Open

The Serbian legend’s participation in the tournament came shortly after a hamstring injury forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open. Djokovic sustained the injury during his four-set quarterfinal victory against Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne. However, he was unable to continue beyond the opening set in his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev, ultimately retiring from the match.

Despite these physical concerns, Djokovic dismissed any suggestions that he was still struggling with an injury. However, a video surfaced shortly after his loss in Doha, showing the 37-year-old limping at the airport, raising fresh doubts about his condition and fitness.

Is Djokovic Losing Motivation?

In the latest episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Steve Johnson shared his candid thoughts on Djokovic’s decision to compete in Qatar. He speculated that the Serbian superstar might be experiencing a sense of emotional fatigue, something rarely associated with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

“I honestly don’t know what Novak’s plan is for the future. Nobody knows except for him,” Johnson admitted. “I don’t quite understand why he chose to play this tournament.”

The former American player then elaborated on a growing belief that Djokovic is now solely focused on winning more Grand Slam titles to further cement his legacy.

“It’s clear that Grand Slams are all that really matter to him at this stage. That’s the only thing that can still add to his incredible legacy and reinforce his position as the greatest tennis player of all time.”

Johnson also raised the possibility that financial and contractual obligations might be influencing Djokovic’s decision to play in ATP 500 events like the Qatar Open.

“We don’t know what kind of financial commitments he has or what he needs to fulfill in terms of sponsorships or agreements to keep playing tournaments like this,” Johnson said. “But it certainly feels like his motivation to win at events like Dubai or Doha just isn’t the same as it is at the Grand Slams.”

Will Djokovic Adjust His Schedule?

Many fans and analysts now expect Djokovic to alter his approach and focus only on major tournaments for the remainder of 2025.

“I don’t think we’ll see much of Djokovic until Indian Wells. He’ll probably just play a few Masters tournaments to prepare for the French Open and Wimbledon,” Johnson suggested. “That makes a lot more sense for his career at this stage rather than spending energy on events that don’t significantly impact his legacy.”

One of the most intriguing aspects of Johnson’s comments was his claim that Djokovic seems emotionally fatigued.

“Every now and then, you get the feeling that he’s struggling emotionally in a way we’ve never seen before. That’s something new for him,” he pointed out.

Nevertheless, Johnson emphasized that Djokovic has earned the right to dictate his own schedule.

“He’s won everything there is to win. He has the freedom to play wherever and however he wants,” Johnson concluded.

Was Berrettini’s Victory a Warning Sign for Djokovic?

While Djokovic’s form remains a topic of debate, there’s no denying that Matteo Berrettini played an outstanding match in Doha.

“Berrettini executed his game plan perfectly. His serve, his forehand—everything was working for him,” Johnson acknowledged.

The Italian capitalized on Djokovic’s inconsistencies and weaknesses to claim a well-deserved victory. However, the bigger concern is how Djokovic responded to the loss.

Is this just a minor setback, or does it indicate a deeper issue for Djokovic in 2025?

Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: whether he wins or loses, Novak Djokovic will always be at the center of every major tennis discussion.

Djokovic’s Future: A Pivotal Moment in His Career?

As the 2025 tennis season progresses, Novak Djokovic finds himself at a crossroads. At 37 years old, the Serbian legend is still competing at the highest level, but questions about his long-term future are beginning to mount. While he remains one of the most dominant players in the sport’s history, his latest struggles have fueled discussions about how much longer he can maintain his elite status.

One key factor that could shape Djokovic’s future is his ability to manage his schedule wisely. Unlike in his younger years, where he competed in a large number of tournaments each season, Djokovic now appears to be more selective with his appearances. However, his decision to play in the Qatar Open—an event that does not hold the same prestige as the Grand Slams or Masters 1000 tournaments—has left many wondering whether it was the right move.

Some analysts believe Djokovic might be struggling to find motivation outside of the four major tournaments. His record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles have placed him above all his contemporaries, and he has already established himself as the most decorated player in men’s tennis history. With that in mind, does he still have the hunger to compete at ATP 500 events? Or is he merely fulfilling obligations that no longer align with his personal goals?

Despite these concerns, Djokovic has repeatedly stated that his love for the sport remains strong. In past interviews, he has emphasized that he still enjoys the challenge of competing against the younger generation, including players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune. However, the reality is that these rising stars are getting stronger, faster, and more confident, and Djokovic’s dominance may not be as absolute as it once was.

The Mental Challenge: Can Djokovic Overcome Emotional Fatigue?

Beyond the physical aspects of the game, another challenge Djokovic faces is the mental toll of sustaining a career at the top. Tennis is one of the most demanding sports in the world, requiring not only exceptional physical endurance but also immense psychological resilience. Djokovic has long been known for his mental toughness, his ability to come back from the brink of defeat, and his unwavering self-belief.

But as Johnson pointed out in his comments, there seems to be a growing sense of emotional fatigue in Djokovic’s demeanor. The pressures of staying at the top, constantly proving himself, and shouldering the expectations of millions of fans can be exhausting—even for someone as mentally strong as Djokovic.

One of the biggest tests for Djokovic will be how he bounces back from his recent struggles. Will he be able to regain his peak form in time for Indian Wells and Miami? Or will his recent setbacks signal a gradual decline in his dominance?

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Djokovic over the years, he should never be counted out. Time and time again, he has defied the odds, silenced his critics, and reminded the world why he is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Whether 2025 will be another triumphant year for him or the beginning of a new phase in his career remains to be seen.

For now, all eyes are on Djokovic as he prepares for his next challenge. The tennis world waits with anticipation—because anything is possible when it comes to Novak Djokovic.