“Djokovic was the GOAT two weeks ago,” Caroline Garcia and Serena Williams’ former coach call out insane expectations that judge Novak Djokovic’s position

The French No. 1 questions the changing narrative around Novak Djokovic after just 1 defeat that too in a Grand Slam semi-final.

“Djokovic was the GOAT two weeks ago,” Caroline Garcia and Serena Williams’ former coach call out insane expectations that judge Novak Djokovic’s position

Novak Djokovic and Caroline Garcia (Credits: India Today, Super Tennis)

The turnaround in the conversation surrounding Novak Djokovic has been quite shocking in the last two weeks. The 24-time Grand Slam title winner reached Australia as the favorite for the 2024 Australian Open. The title would have given him his record-breaking 25th singles Major title.

But the sensational performance of Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals against Nole brought an end to his reign in Melbourne Park. Nole suffered his first defeat at the Major in 2195 days. He called the match his ‘worst performance ever at a Grand Slam‘.

YouTube video

The conversation quickly changed against the Serb after his defeat. Many who were certain about his 11th AO title were suddenly questioning if he would ever return to the Major. While Djokovic was quick to disregard these questions, the perspective of many certainly changed.

FS Video

Commenting on this, French star Caroline Garcia expressed her frustration with a hint of sarcasm and humor on these critics. The change in conversation from calling the World No. 1 ‘GOAT’ to now questioning his retirement after just 1 loss, the Frenchwoman was massively stunned. 

I was scrolling a bit and basically Djokovic was the GOAT 2 weeks ago, still so young, moving so well beyond of this age, going for an other Slam once again, a true inspiration. And now he is too old, we are in a complete new era, he is finished for tennis … this is funny.
tweeted Garcia.

Patrick Mouratoglou stands in support of Novak Djokovic

Garcia’s tweet quickly got widespread support from fans of Djokovic. Many presented their takes and also thanked the former World No. 4 for addressing this changing narrative.

Novak Djokovic and Patrick Mouratoglou (image via: India Today)
Novak Djokovic and Patrick Mouratoglou (image via: India Today)

Another big name that showed support to Nole was Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of Serena Williams, Holger Rune, and lately Simona Halep. The French coach has long been on the side of the Serb when it comes to debates around the sport and once again showed his support for Djokovic. 

That says it all about the expectations and pressure a player experiences when at the top of the game. They are not allowed to fail otherwise they are labelled « done ».
tweeted Mouratoglou.

While it would be foolish to consider Djokovic is near his retirement, the concerns are not completely false. At 36 years old the Serb needs to structure his calendar in a way to keep him fresh at all times. While there’s no doubt about him being one of the fittest players out there, being cautious never hurts.

The latest reports claiming the 10-time Australian Open winner playing in sickness against Sinner have further backed this agenda. His absence from the upcoming Dubai Championships also makes sense considering that he was unwell during the semis duel with the Italian.

An official confirmation is yet to come from the Djokovic camp. Thus these are certainly worrying times for the loyal Nolefam who pray for his quick recovery and return.

In case you missed it: