“I think that hit Novak’s ego,” Patrick Mouratoglou believes Alcaraz and Sinner’s rise to the top pushed Djokovic to a higher level

Patrick Mouratoglou believes Novak Djokovic will compete at the highest level for a few more years following his historic Olympic gold medal.

“I think that hit Novak’s ego,” Patrick Mouratoglou believes Alcaraz and Sinner’s rise to the top pushed Djokovic to a higher level

Patrick Mouratoglou on Novak Djokovic (images via Imago)

Patrick Mouratoglou, Holger Rune‘s former coach, had some bold claims about Novak Djokovic‘s return to form and his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. In the first half of the year, Djokovic was having one of his worst seasons in the last decade. However, in a historic turn of events, he conquered the Olympic Games for his first-ever gold.

By capturing the only title that was missing from his collection, Djokovic ‘completed the game’ in a way and will embark on a new chapter starting with the US Open this year. Many believe that his hunger for the Olympic gold that had evaded him his entire career pushed him to a higher level and allowed him to overcome Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the final, despite being destroyed by him just a few weeks earlier at Wimbledon.

YouTube video

However, Mouratoglou believes that Djokovic has a need for tough competition that was met by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner this year, which allowed the World No.2 to get back to his best.

FS Video
Sinner started playing well, Alcaraz played great again. I think that hit Novak’s ego and he came back really strong and finally won the title he was chasing his whole career, which was the Olympic gold medal to complete his trophy collection. He’s in great shape, he’s playing incredible tennis. He’s ready to compete, I think, for another two, three, four years at the highest level. But he needed that competition between him, Federer and Nadal to be the best. The only confrontation now is probably Carlos and Jannik pushing him, beating him, he feels his ego hit and wants to show that he’s still as good as ever.
Patrick Mouatoglou told We Love Tennis

Throughout his career, Djokovic was playing catch-up with his greatest rivals, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. This provided him the motivation he needed to ascend to great heights and finally overtake them statistically. 

RELATED
“Lot of things that can be improved in my game”, Stefanos Tsitsipas believes split with his father as his coach will bring a positive change
Stefanos Tsitsipas with father Apostolos Tsitsipas

Novak Djokovic returns to hometown to a hero’s welcome

Novak Djokovic, a Monte-Carlo resident, returned to his hometown of Belgrade, where he grew up playing tennis amidst turmoil, after securing Serbia a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. He is currently enjoying a brief vacation.

Novak Djokovic drinking
Novak Djokovic drinking (Via Imago/X)

As one of the best athletes to ever play for the country, Djokovic commands utmost respect and inspires all his countrymen. Thousands of fans gathered in the capital city of Belgrade to welcome their idol grandly.

In videos online, Djokovic was seen walking out to a majestic balcony to greet excited fans who had gathered. He flaunted his gold medal while they cheered him on and demonstrated their unwavering support.

In case you missed it!