"Those who attacked and got angry need to apologise; Glad Novak Djokovic's admitted it himself" - Fans react to Serb's "unmotivated" confession

Novak Djokovic told Nick Kyrgios ahead of this year's Australian Open that despite a part of him being hungry for more success in tennis, another part longs to spend time with his family. The Serb's interview with the Australian was recently released as an episode of the Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios video podcast series.

"The 4-year-old Novak is still inside and still in love with this sport and still hungry for more. But at the same time, there's probably a more mature Novak, a father and a husband, who is like, ' Come on, man. There's other things in life too.'," Djokovic told Kyrgios.

The Serb proceeded to tell Kyrgios that there are days when he does not feel motivated enough to travel and play. Instead, on those days, he craves to stay with his family at home.

"Part of me always wants to keep going, I don't have an expiration date. I'm lucky to have my life but, some mornings, I'm unmotivated and less inspired to travel, to playing when I want to be at home and have a normal life," Djokovic added.

Tennis fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Djokovic's confession. One set of fans backed the Serb vociferously amid his patchy run of form so far this season.

"Thank you. Those Novak fans who attacked and got angry at other fans for saying he’s evidently lost motivation need to apologise. It’s been obvious for a while now. Just because you love him doesn’t make it not true. Open your eyes. Glad he’s admitted it himself," one fan wrote.

"You must be sick if you're enjoying this Djokovic downfall," another fan commented.

"Well, he really has nothing left to prove, and we already knew he wanted to spend more time with his family. None of this comes as a surprise, and I fully support him no matter what," another fan chimed in.

Another set of fans lauded the Serb for his honesty.

"One of the many reasons I love Novak is coz he speaks his mind. So transparent. So consistent. Dread the day he will announce retirement but his alternative is a good one. I can't imagine living in such performance preasure day in day out," wrote one fan.

"In the court of life, Novak serves aces both as a champion and a dad. No expiry on greatness, yet even legends crave home’s baseline. Here’s to the man who masters both games with heart!" commented another fan.

"Whenever you’re ready…you’ve already proven yourself as the GOAT," another fan wrote.

Novak Djokovic heads into the 2024 French Open on the back of a poor Italian Open outing

Novak Djokovic in action against Alejandro Tabilo at the Italian Open

So far this season, Djokovic has looked a mere shadow of the player that won three out of four Grand Slams last year. After multiple unconvincing displays across the Australian Open, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Monte-Carlo Masters, the Serb headed into the Italian Open.

However, after a straightforward win over Corentin Moutet in the second round in Rome, Djokovic met Alejandro Tabilo in the third round. Against the Chilean, the Serb looked shellshocked, possibly from being accidentally hit in the head after his match against Moutet by a stray water bottle. Tabilo won the match 6-2, 6-3, ending Djokovic's hopes for his seventh Italian Open title.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner is the defending champion at Roland Garros. However, considering his patchy form of late, his rivals should be feeling confident going into the year's second Grand Slam.