“It’s becoming a little bit more challenging,” Novak Djokovic speaks about the ebb and flow of motivation that he is lacking this year

After playing for 20 professional years in the sport, it seems Djokovic's 'fire' to win is fluttering.

“It’s becoming a little bit more challenging,” Novak Djokovic speaks about the ebb and flow of motivation that he is lacking this year

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic has become the talk of the year as he has been struggling with form lately. From the Australian Open all the way to the recently concluded Geneva Open, the Serbian has failed to make it to the finals and is struggling to find some momentum. 

When it comes to playing in a Grand Slam, Djokovic is a different kind of beast. However, he revealed that his overall motivation has been fluctuating, and he is struggling to keep it burning for the tournament. In a recent post-match interview with the Roland Garros Press, the Serbian gave a few insights into his flowing thought process. 

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Having set the goals to focus on Grand Slam events and the Olympics, Djokovic revealed to be facing issues when it comes to playing other tournaments. Knowing that these hold more value for him, the motivation for different tournaments also varies. 

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The other tournaments, of course, it's not maybe sounding right, but these are huge tournaments, very important tournaments, tournaments that are part of the ATP Tour that I was part of and still am part of, of course, so many years, and have been an integral part of my career and my success. But yeah, it is becoming a little bit more challenging for me to push myself every single tournament to be really at the top.
Novak Djokovic said via Roland Garros Press

Nonetheless, it seems like Djokovic has found some kind of ‘motivation’ as he made it past the first two rounds of the French Open without breaking a sweat. Although he saw a small fightback in the first match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Djokovic dominated in the second match. 

Novak Djokovic appreciates the challenge Rafael Nadal has put him under at Roland Garros

Serbian pro Novak Djokovic has cruised past his second-round opponent and is currently trying to win his first tournament of the season and fourth crown at Roland Garros. For a player such as Djokovic’s caliber, three titles seem a little less in Paris. That is only because of one player, Rafael Nadal, who has a record of 8-2 in the finals against Djokovic. 

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal before the 2022 Roland Garros quarter-final (via Imago)

Speaking about the challenge Nadal has always brought at the French Open, Djokovic hailed him as his greatest rival. He revealed that the French Open was the hardest mountain to climb because of the Spaniard, who eventually pushed him to be a better player. 

It's the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros, particularly because of Nadal, because I always have to win against him in order to get to the title. 
Novak Djokovic said via Roland Garros Press

Now, the Serbian has moved up the draw and will face Lorenzo Musetti for a spot in the fourth round. Inching closer to the tougher part of the tournament, Djokovic would hope to stay in his best form and manage to win the first title of the season. 

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