Novak Djokovici, “the beginning of the end”. Serb gives signs of weakness and admits resignedly that it can no longer
The holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovici approaches the end of his career, although he tried to defy the time. The Serb is going through a difficult time, at almost 38 years old, for the second time throughout his career, he has lost the debut matches at two consecutive Masters Masters.
Novak Djokovici, disappointing developments in the season on the slag. Photo Getty Images
Novak Djokovici lost his first match at the ATP Masters 1,000 tournament in Madrid, giving up 3-6, 4-6, in front of the Italian Matteo Arnaldi (44 ATP), in the second round of the competition. It is for the first time in 2006 when Nole begins the slag season with two consecutive defeats. 19 years ago, he was defeated at Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Also from the same year “dates” another counter-performance of the Serbian tennis player, who lost in his first match in 4 tournaments in a single season: Doha (vs Berrettini), Indian Wells (vs. van de Zandschulp), Monte Carlo (vs Tabilo) and Madrid (VS Arnaldi).
Djokovici resign himself: It's the cycle of life
Djokovici did not avoid talking openly about the difficulties he goes through. Visibly affected, he acknowledged: “My level of tennis is not where I would like. I lost in front of a better player. It is a new reality for myself, I have to try to win a match or two, without thinking about going far in tournaments. It is a completely different feeling than what I have lived in the last 20 years. It is a mental challenge that I have to live on.
The best tennis player in history has confessed that the current period is a major change in his career: “” I haven't lived something like this for 20 years. Too many early defeats. It's part of the sports and you have to accept the circumstances, try to get the best of them. I can't complain about my career, but it's a different feeling that I have to accept. I always try to be optimistic. With what I have, especially at the Grand Slam..
Probably the last representation at Madrid
Novak Djokovici confessed that he still likes to compete, but that it is harder to cope with the other players. He let it be understood that 2025 could be the last of his career, the next edition of the Madrid tournament being able to catch him in another position, not as a player. “It became more complicated, honest, but I will give everything to the Grand Slam that follows. I don't go to Roland Garros as one of the favorites. Maybe that will help me. I could be at my last match here, I'm not sure if I'm going back. I don't know. I will definitely return to Madrid, I don't know if as a player. I hope it is not my last match here, but it is possible. ”
