Patrick Mouratoglou believes Novak Djokovic’s 2023 version is better than his 2015 one, praises Nole’s incredible work ethic

Novak Djokovic had a fantastic season this year, winning the Australian Open, US Open, French Open, and ATP Finals.

Patrick Mouratoglou believes Novak Djokovic’s 2023 version is better than his 2015 one, praises Nole’s incredible work ethic

Novak Djokovic and Patrick Mouratoglou

Novak Djokovic has had a fantastic season this year. Even in the twilight of his career, Nole outperformed many of his young opponents. This season, the Serbian has won the Australian Open, US Open, French Open, and ATP Finals, in addition to reaching the finals of Wimbledon.

Nole lost just one match in the major Grand Slams, which was in the finals of Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz. After such a successful season, the obvious question that comes to mind is: Where does 2023 rank in the list of Nole’s best seasons?

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When asked about the same, Nole reacted by saying that this was one of the best seasons he had, not the best. 2011 and 2015 are stacked up as two of the best seasons he has had. In those two seasons, the Serb went on to win 10 and 11 titles, respectively. 

However, the French tennis coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, seems to believe something completely opposite. As per the former player himself, this season was one of the best seasons of Nole’s career. That’s not all; Mouratoglou even asserted that 2023’s Djokovic is better than 2015’s Djokovic. 

It’s interesting to think if the Novak of 2023 is a better player than the Novak of 2015. I think the Novak of today is better. His game evolved, his confidence evolved, he’s played so many more matches. He has so much more height when looking at his game, looking at his opponent. 
Patrick Mouratoglou said via Tennis Majors

He further said that Nole’s work ethic is what makes him so successful. The experience and confidence of Djokovic are now much greater than they were in 2015. Continuing further, he added:

He didn’t drop physically. If he had have dropped physically, then probably the Novak of 2015 would have been a better player than the Novak of 2023. But his fitness level I think is the same. He’s as fast, he’s as flexible, he’s as balanced when he hits his shots, he’s as resistant. So, he’s a better player today, yes.

A look back at Novak Djokovic’s 2023 season

Novak Djokovic in the 2023 season didn’t just perform well on the biggest stage. He won accolades to prove that he is still one of the best in the business.

Winning three major Grand Slam titles in a season at 36 is not a joke. The Serb was at his very best throughout the season. However, he couldn’t end the season like he would have liked, losing in the Davis Cup semis to Jannik Sinner‘s Italy.

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Novak Djokovic at Davis Cup 2023 (Image via CNN)

With a bright performance this season, Nole has set various records to tumble. At the start of the season, Rafael Nadal held the record for the greatest number of Grand Slam titles.

However, after winning three Grand Slam titles this year, Nole has taken the lead over Rafa and now has 24 major Grand Slam titles to his name. He also took the lead over Roger Federer in having the greatest number of ATP titles. He won his record seventh ATP Final, overtaking Federer’s record of six ATP titles. 

With such momentum and form on his side, Nole will look to carry forward in the same way next season too. Moreover, with the Paris Olympics around the corner, Nole will be eager to win Olympic gold, which also seems to be his last chance. Notably, an Olympic gold is the only thing missing from Nole’s illustrious trophy cabinet.