Rafael Nadal’s ex-coach reveals two reasons for Novak Djokovic’s regression in the ATP Tour

Novak Djokovic has failed to win a clay-court match this season after participating in Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters.

Rafael Nadal’s ex-coach reveals two reasons for Novak Djokovic’s regression in the ATP Tour

Novak Djokovic (via X)

Novak Djokovic has not been in his best form this season. His performance has been heavily criticized in the past few weeks, especially after losing his second consecutive opening match at the Madrid Open. Rafael Nadal’s ex-coach Carlos Moya recently revealed reasons behind the Serbian legend’s struggles.

Most players in the men’s circuit would be very proud this season to have reached the semi-finals of the only Grand Slam played in 2025 and reach the final of a Masters 1000 tournament. But that will is considered a poor season for Djokovic because of the heights and expectations he has set in his career.

He has lost four of his opening five matches in tournaments this season, something very uncharacteristic of him. He has also struggled to be at his best on clay. In fact, he’s yet to win a match on the surface after playing at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open. The Serbian would turn 38 on the 22nd of May and is going through a very difficult period in his career.

Nadal’s ex-coach, Carlos Moya, revealed during an interview that the reason for Djokovic’s struggle is that his rivals (Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) have retired. He added that he’s currently competing against younger players, who have incredible physical abilities.

Rafa’s injuries stopped him. Novak still has the desire and motivation to compete, to stay competitive. Just looking at the results and the statements, I think the fact that his two main rivals are gone and he’s achieved the Career Slam by winning the Olympic gold medal obviously leaves him feeling a little bit empty. Some young people are trying hard. After all, he is competing with guys 16 or 17 years younger than him who have incredible physical abilities. What he is going through is completely normal.

Carlos Moya said via Relevo

Djokovic holds an underwhelming 12-7 record this season. Most of his wins have come from the Australian Open and Miami Open. He will hope to bounce back at the French Open after withdrawing from Rome.

Carlos Moya doesn’t rule out Novak Djokovic from winning the French Open

Novak Djokovic will not participate at the Italian Open, which means he will likely be on the court again at the French Open. The World No.6 is still seeking his 25th Grand Slam and 100th career title. Rafael Nadal’s ex-coach, Carlos Moya, stated that he cannot rule Djokovic out of winning the Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

I wouldn’t rule him out for Roland Garros or Wimbledon, because he’s a historical great, and you should never rule out greats for anything.

Carlos Moya added

Last year, Djokovic reached the quarterfinals of the French Open but pulled out due to a knee injury. He had won back-to-back matches in five sets and slipped in his fourth-round tie. He will hope to forget the problems he encountered at the tournament in 2024 ahead of this year’s edition.

Novak Djokovic’s record at the Italian Open

Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Italian Open came as a bit of a surprise, as he has yet to pick any clay win this season. Also, he’s the second most successful player in the tournament, winning the title an impressive six times. The first time he claimed the Italian Open was in 2008, beating Stan Wawrinka in the final.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

He claimed the second in 2011 after beating Rafael Nadal in straight sets. The third came in 2014 and he successfully defended the title the following year after defeating Roger Federer. He triumphed again in 2020 after ousting Diego Schwartzman, before sealing his sixth title in 2022 by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

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