Serena Williams' former coach questions Novak Djokovic's mentality in Grand Slam pursuit
Novak Djokovic winning Grand Slams became a habit in the 2010's and even the early 2020's, but now the world is adjusting to a new normal.
The Serbian hasn't won a major since the U.S. Open in 2023. Famous tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou had a theory about the drought that he talked about with Nick Kyrgios.
The former coach of pros like Serena Williams and Holger Rune believes it's not Djokovic's old age but his mentality that is holding him back from a 25th Grand Slam.
"He’s just realized that he would be the best of all times because Rafa was out and the thing he was fighting for 15 years, suddenly there’s no more goal,” Mouratoglou said on the Ultimate Tennis Show podcast. "I think he completely lost the motivation, which is easy to understand, which is normal."
Mouratoglou, who is known for making brash statements, does have a point.
Djokovic has the most Grand Slams of any male tennis pro in history. After winning the 2024 Olympics, he has every major title in tennis. Has that impacted his drive to win? That's what Mouratoglou seems to think.
Novak Djokovic has nothing to prove.
The greatest there was.
The greatest there is.
The greatest there will ever be. pic.twitter.com/H1xYTwjNs6— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) July 11, 2025
Djokovic is 38 years old and there's a better possibility that old age has led to a decline in his performance. Still it's an interesting case to make that the Serbian has less incentive to win with nobody nipping at his heels.
Even if that's true, Djokovic has made Grand Slam semifinals in all three majors this year. He is able to compete at the highest level even if there's questions about his decline.
The only way Djokovic can silence this conversation? By winning another Grand Slam.
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