Novak Djokovic, one of the most successful tennis players of all time, is at a turning point after a mixed start to 2024. After a record-breaking 2023 season in which he won three more Grand Slam titles, Djokovic began 2024 without the hoped-for success.
Many wondered if the 37-year-old was nearing the end of his illustrious career. But renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou believes Djokovic still has a lot ahead of him and sees a renewed motivation that could keep him at the top of the sport for several more years.
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A difficult start to 2024 raises doubts
Djokovic’s 2024 season got off to an unusually slow start. Despite the record year before, he failed to win a title in the first seven months of the new season.
It was not until Wimbledon that Djokovic reached his first final of the year, but was again defeated by rising star Carlos Alcaraz. This defeat, along with his previous failures, sparked questions about whether Djokovic can still compete at the highest level, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
But Djokovic silenced his critics in the best way possible by claiming the last trophy he needed in his career: Olympic gold. Not only did he win, but he defeated Alcaraz in straight sets to become the first man to win an Olympic singles title without dropping a set.
This victory completed Djokovic’s collection of major trophies and raised speculation about whether his hunger for further competitions still exists now that his trophy cabinet is complete.
Mouratoglou: Djokovic’s ego and rivalries fuel his drive
Patrick Mouratoglou, who has managed the careers of several tennis greats such as Serena Williams and Simona Halep, offers a unique perspective on Djokovic’s mental state.
According to Mouratoglou, Djokovic’s dip in form at the beginning of the year was due to a lack of motivation, exacerbated by the absence of his long-time rival Rafael Nadal. “I think Novak can play at the highest level for another three or four years.
The real question is about his motivation. I think he really struggled with motivation until the Olympics,” Mouratoglou shared on social media, pointing out that Djokovic’s rivalry with Nadal has always been a significant driving force for the Serb.
With Nadal seemingly out of the picture, Djokovic lost that competitive edge. But with Nadal’s strong comeback on clay, Djokovic’s competitive spirit was reignited. Mouratoglou also highlighted how the rise of younger players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz played a crucial role in reigniting Djokovic’s competitive spirit.
“Sinner started playing great, Alcaraz too. I think it touched his ego and he came back very strong,” Mouratoglou noted, stressing that these challenges pushed Djokovic to reach new heights that culminated in his Olympic triumph.
What does the future hold for Djokovic?
Looking to the future, Mouratoglou is convinced that the tennis legend will continue to play at the highest level for another three to four years. “He is in great shape, he plays incredible tennis,” Mouratoglou noted.
He believes that although the rivalry with Roger Federer and Nadal has been a major motivating factor for Djokovic, the new generation of players like Alcaraz and Sinner will continue to spur him on to prove that he is still one of the greatest in the game.
With Olympic gold now added to his collection, Djokovic’s career seems far from over. If Mouratoglou’s predictions are correct, tennis fans can expect to see the Serbian champion add many more titles to his already impressive career.
