Rennae Stubbs expresses concern over Novak Djokovic’s recent performance as he’s ‘struggling more and more’

Novak Djokovic's quest for his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open ended due to his hamstring injury.

Rennae Stubbs expresses concern over Novak Djokovic’s recent performance as he’s ‘struggling more and more’

Rennae Stubbs, Novak Djokovic (Images via X)

Novak Djokovic, in spite of his age, has been troubling the youngsters. Despite his hamstring injury, he registered a four-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinal.

His injury, however, didn’t allow him to continue further as he withdrew from the semifinal match he was playing against World No.2 Alexander Zverev. Doubts loomed over his Qatar Open participation but he recovered before the tournament and followed his schedule.

YouTube video

But the 24-time Grand Slam champion was no match for Matteo Berrettini, losing the first round with scores of 7-6(4), 6-2. Djokovic was trophyless last year on the tour and won just the Olympic gold medal. Serena Williams‘ former coach Rennae Stubbs said that though Djokovic has made quick comebacks post injuries, he is not producing consistent performances due to his increase in injuries.

FS Video

But this is starting to be a little bit of an issue now, not winning matches. And then when you haven’t played for a while, then you come back and you’re older. When you go and play a match, you’re pushing yourself more, you’re doing a little more, you’re more nervous, your body’s more uptight. And he’s struggling more and more and more.

Rennae Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast

Djokovic’s next target is to clinch the Indian Wells, where he was stunned by Luca Nardi in the second round last year. The ATP 1000 tournament is scheduled to start on March 5.

Steve Johnson admits he was surprised by Novak Djokovic’s decision to play Qatar Open

Former World No.21 Steve Johnson doesn’t know why Novak Djokovic planned to play in the Qatar Open, an ATP 500 tournament. According to the American, he didn’t expect to see Nole play before Indian Wells, because ATP 500 tournaments cannot further his legacy.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Instagram)

It sometimes feels that he is a bit flat emotionally, which has usually never been the case for him. So he has earned the right to play whatever schedule he deserves and wants to do.

Steve Johnson said on Nothing Major podcast

Djokovic has clinched the most titles at both Indian Wells and Miami Open, where he plans to play next. He has completed the sunshine doubles four times but hasn’t emerged victorious in either tournament since 2016.

He skipped the Miami Open last year as he rather chose to prepare for the clay season. The 99 ATP title winner, if he plays in Miami, then he will be returning to the ATP 1000 event for the first time since 2019.