Patrick Mouratoglou offered his perspective on Novak Djokovic's current position in the men's game. At 38, the veteran is still ranked inside the top-5 after notching all four Major semi-finals in 2025.
However, he has been struggling against the world's strongest duo, losing three of those semi-finals to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. While remaining competitive, the Serb has lost the drive against the Spaniard and the Italian.
He fell to Alcaraz in the US Open semi-final and admitted it's getting more challenging for him to stay in touch with them physically, especially in the best-of-five format.
The point of the year? 🔥
Novak Djokovic wins this 41-shot rally.
Incredible.pic.twitter.com/nqAZSTnJPS
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) June 4, 2025
Novak has achieved everything our sport has to offer. However, he keeps his devotion and still seeks the 25th Major trophy. Mouratoglou pointed out that Djokovic's biggest test may not be physical or technical but mental.
While Alcaraz and Sinner are setting new standards at the top of the game, the famous coach believes Djokovic still possesses what it takes to beat them on the most notable stages.
However, he has to rediscover the inner fire that has defined his career and made him the most accomplished player of all time. Patrick recalled the 2024 Olympic Games in Pris and Djokovic's incredible triumph over Alcaraz in a memorable final.
Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025© Facebook – Roland Garros
That display of willpower while chasing the only missing notable title, Mouratoglou suggested, is proof that the motivation factor could be decisive for the Serb moving forward, even at his age.
However, with everything in his impressive CV and a legacy firmly cemented, the challenge now lies in finding fresh reasons to push through against the next ear champions.
Is Novak ready for that in 2026? We will find out in a couple of months in Melbourne.
Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025© Facebook – Roland Garros
"Novak is undoubtedly the greatest player of all time. However, his expressions make me feel that he does not believe he can beat Carlos or Jannik anymore. He admitted that during the press conference after falling to Carlos at the US Open.
If he does not believe in that, it will not happen. He should change his mindset, as I think he can still do it. That brings us to the motivation segment. Novak was always successful when it was a question of life or death for him.
Last year's Olympic Games provided a great example. He wanted that title more than anything and delivered a strong performance against Carlos in the final. He has fought to become the greatest player of all time and achieved that.
It's almost impossible to have the same motivation, but I would think of how to bring the fire back, because that's the only key," Patrick Mouratoglou said.
