“Becoming more challenging to push myself”: Novak Djokovic displays worrying signs as he admits to 'struggle with motivation' beyond Grand Slam events

Novak Djokovic has worried his supporters across the world by admitting to struggling with motivation while competing at tournaments other than Grand Slam events. He is currently in Paris defending his title at the 2024 French Open.

Djokovic has already qualified for the third round in the men's singles draw on the back of straight-set wins in the first and second rounds. He started with a 6-4, 7-6(3) 6-4 victory against Pierre-Hugues Herbert before bettering Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday, May 30.

Djokovic interacted with the media after beating Carballes Baena and spoke about his lackluster 2024, which has seen no title wins yet. He suggested that the only events that encourage him at the moment are the Majors and Paris Olympics.

"It's true that I'm focused pretty much solely on Grand Slams and Olympics this year, and playing for my country, really. That's something that really drives me the most today," he said during his post-match presser at Roland Garros on Thursday.

He continued:

"The other tournaments, it's not maybe sounding right, but these are huge tournaments, very important tournaments, tournaments that are part of the ATP Tour that I was part of and still am part of so many years, and have been integral part of my career and my success. But yeah, it is becoming a little bit more challenging for me to push myself every single tournament to be really at the top."

---

Novak Djokovic: "But in terms of my commitment to the practice weeks and practice sessions, that hasn't gone down"

Novak Djokovic during a practice session at Roland Garros. Photo: Getty

In the same presser at the 2024 French Open on Thursday, May 30, Novak Djokovic claimed that he saw the current phase of mental struggle coming.

"I knew the moment is going to arrive sooner or later where l'm just going to, you know, have off weeks, so to say, where I'm struggling to push myself or deliver what needs to be delivered on the court," the Serb said.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, however, noted that he hasn't ceased to push himself on practice courts.

"But in terms of my commitment to the practice weeks and practice sessions, that hasn't gone down, to be honest. Whatever my team and I agree on and whatever they want me to do, I do it. I show up every day on practice courts and gym and whatever I need to do fitness-wise, mental preparation, whatever it takes," he said.

Novak Djokovic's third-round opponent at the 2024 French Open is Italy's Lorenzo Musetti.