"Certainly something wrong with Novak Djokovic": Tennis veteran fumes over Serb's Monte Carlo exit

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has found himself in the crosshairs of criticism after a tennis legend unloaded on the Serb’s recent performance at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic’s rocky season hit another low as he suffered a second-round exit against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, ranked 32nd in the world.

The defeat adds to a string of disappointments for the former World No. 1, whose year began with an injury-induced Australian Open withdrawal, followed by a first-round loss at the Qatar Open. Despite a Miami Open final appearance, early exits at Indian Wells and now Monte Carlo have left fans and pundits questioning his form.

The latest loss has sparked frustration among supporters, but one former star’s blunt critique has turned heads. Without mincing words, the veteran dissected Novak Djokovic’s demeanor and execution, claiming the match revealed deeper issues than just an off day.

A Veteran’s scathing take: Where did Novak Djokovic’s spark go?

The criticism came from Arnaud Clement, a former Australian Open finalist and seasoned analyst, who didn’t hold back during a Eurosport France segment. Clement argued that Djokovic’s defeat wasn’t just about rusty strokes or tactical missteps—it was a glaring lack of passion.

“The shock, ultimately, is more the manner and the attitude than the elimination itself,” he stated. “We didn’t feel he was happy on the court, we didn’t feel he was fulfilled. Did he want to? We don’t know. Did he have a problem? We don’t know. But there was certainly something wrong with Novak Djokovic today.”

Clement emphasized that Djokovic’s usual resilience was missing. Even when struggling, the Serb often claws back with grit, but against Tabilo, he seemed “stuck,” unable to adapt or fight through errors. The stats backed this up: 29 unforced errors and a shaky serve hinted at deeper struggles. Djokovic himself labeled the match “horrible,” admitting,

“I didn’t expect to play this bad… I’m sorry for all the people that had to witness this.”

While Clement’s remarks sting, they echo concerns about Novak Djokovic’s motivation. At 37, balancing longevity with elite performance is no easy feat. His upcoming Madrid Open appearance—his first since 2022—will be pivotal. Can he reignite the fire, or is this slump a sign of a new reality? For now, the tennis world waits, hoping the champion they know resurfaces.