“No one can teach him how to play tennis,” John McEnroe thinks Novak Djokovic will need someone by his side to ‘motivate him’ in order to get his old rhythm back
Novak Djokovic unlikely to claim his last season record of seven titles and seven defeats in 56 matches.
John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic (Credits: Imago)
Novak Djokovic was hoping for a great season after beating the youngsters to claim three out of four Grand Slam events last year. But, a poor run of form has seen him without a title or a final reach in any tournament this season. Nevertheless, American legend John McEnroe believes the Serbian needs someone who can motivate him.
In March, after Djokovic’s third-round exit at the Indian Wells Masters, the Serbian split with his long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic. Ivanisevic won 12 major titles with the Serbian but he was without a title and hoping for a change this year. However, things seem to have gotten worse for Djokovic over the past few months.
The 37-year-old tried to regroup at the Monte Carlo Masters at the start of the clay season. Though he performed well he fell short in the semifinals losing to Casper Ruud, after being the favorite to claim the title. He skipped the Madrid Open with expectations of winning the Rome title but he shockingly lost to Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.
In a bid to win a title ahead of the Roland Garros, the Serbian participated at the Geneva Open but that also ended in a semifinal disappointment. That has made John McEnroe give his take on Nole’s coach situation.
I don’t know what’s wrong with him, if it’s because of a physical issue, motivation, age, distractions outside of tennis. Right now, he seems more human. It’s the most open Roland Garros in the last 20 years. No one can teach him how to play tennis, I think he needs someone at his side who knows how to motivate him. [Players] pay much more attention to the Majors than in my time. We cared about the balance of the entire year.John McEnroe said via Eurosport
McEnroe might be spot on with his analysis as last year, Djokovic suffered only seven defeats in 56 matches, winning seven titles. He is likely to win fewer this season as the middle of the year approaches. Some motivation may be the need of the hour for the men’s leading singles Majors winner.
Novak Djokovic aims to perform his best at the Roland Garros after a poor start to the season
Novak Djokovic is hopeful to play his best tennis at the French Open despite a run of poor results this season. The Serbian was the favorite to claim the Australian Open in January but he lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the last four.
He is now seeking a must-win Roland Garros as his No.1 position is also at risk of being snatched away from him. However, he won the French Open last year defeating Casper Ruud in the final.
I would say that I know what I'm capable of, and particularly in the Grand Slams I normally play the best tennis. I have been saying that in terms of clay I want to peak here in Paris. Hopefully I can have a great tournament.Novak Djokovic said at the pre-tournament news conference on Sunday
The 37-year-old will play French Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the opening round of the Roland Garros. Nole will be looking to turn the wheels of fortune at the tournament where he is a hree-time winner.
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Nikhil Sonmali
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