Home
An American tennis veteran has recently shared critical remarks on Serbian star Novak Djokovic, arguing that the Serb is becoming overly at ease with losing match after match. The veteran pointed out that Djokovic’s current slump began at the Australian Open, where he was forced to withdraw mid-game due to an injury. Following his recovery, the 24-time Grand Slam champion experienced setbacks at the Qatar Open—in both singles and doubles—and most recently at the Indian Wells Masters, where he fell to Botic van de Zandschlup. With a 7–4 win–loss record this season, these losses have not only disappointed fans but have also led tennis experts to scrutinize his performance.
Tennis expert’s bold observation: Is Comfort Leading to Complacency?
In a candid assessment of Novak Djokovic’s recent struggles, former WTA world No. 9 Coco Vandeweghe offered a pointed critique of his current mentality. She remarked,
“We have to give Botic some credit, he showed up, he played big ball and you have to give the man credit where credit is due,”
before adding her concerns about the champion’s approach to defeat. Vandeweghe continued,
“But I do think is this Novak getting too comfortable with ‘I’m okay with losing’. It’s a weird feeling as a player when you have a couple of losses like that where you see him in the press room and he is a little bit too smiley and you have to think ‘Is he not as mentally tough as he once was?’”
She further questioned,
“You have just got to question that a little bit. I still think you can’t count out the GOAT in any tournament, in any situation, but I do question are we getting a little bit too comfortable with these guys beating you in these 1000 events. We know Novak is looking at Slams and are we getting a little too comfortable and maybe that will happen at Slams.”
Vandeweghe’s observations have resonated with many observers who now wonder if the legendary competitor’s relaxed demeanor after defeats might be a sign of diminished intensity. Fans who once admired Novak Djokovic for his fierce competitiveness are now left puzzling over whether his recent performances reflect a natural ebb in his game or a shift in his mental approach to the sport.
Despite these criticisms, the tennis community remains divided. Some insist that the champion’s vast experience and skill mean he can bounce back at any moment, while others believe that even the greatest may need to rekindle the relentless drive that once defined his career.
As the season progresses and the stakes grow higher, only time will reveal if Djokovic can regain his former edge or if this comfort with defeat will ultimately alter his legacy.
