Novak Djokovic warned he is taking a big risk as questions are raised by Patrick Mouratoglou.
Questions have once again been raised about Novak Djokovic’s motivation, with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou saying the tennis great is taking a big risk by playing only a couple of matches before the French Open.
Djokovic has featured in only two matches on clay this season, as he was beaten by Alejandro Tabilo in his opening encounter at the Monte Carlo Masters and followed it up with another early exit from the Madrid Open, as he also went down in straight sets, this time against Matteo Arnaldi.
Following his defeat at the Spanish ATP Masters 1000 event, the former world No. 1 announced his withdrawal from the Italian Open.
It will be the first time since 2006 that Djokovic—a six-time winner of the Italian Masters event—has not appeared in the main draw in Rome, leaving him short of match practice on clay ahead of Roland Garros.
In a post on Instagram, Mouratoglou wrote, “Novak hasn’t looked like himself in Monte Carlo or Madrid — physically or in terms of motivation. I’m really curious to see his mindset at Roland-Garros. That’s where we’ll truly know where he stands!”
The post included a video, and the Frenchman explained why he has some questions over the 24-time Grand Slam’s motivation and schedule.
“I was very surprised to see Novak play like that in Monte Carlo and then again in Madrid,” Mouratoglou, who is currently coaching four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka.
“For a guy like him, if he doesn’t feel like playing, if he doesn’t have the motivation, I don’t think he should play because he didn’t even look like he was trying to win.
“I am not saying he is not able to play better; he is for sure able to play much better, but I felt like he was not prepared physically. I mean, tennis-wise, physically, for those tournaments because he doesn’t have the motivation—and no judgment there.
“But the question is, ‘Why did he play then?’ I don’t understand. Motivation is a big thing for him; it’s all about it, and I’ve been saying that now for quite a long time.”
After winning three of the four Grand Slams in 2023 to move to 24 majors, Djokovic failed to add to his tally in 2025, with his only title coming at the Paris Games, where he won the gold medal to complete the Career Golden Slam.
Mouratoglou, who coached the great Serena Williams in the past, added, “After his great season [in 2023] and then last season, which was far from his level, except for the Olympic Games, it was obvious that he needs one target to really get his focus and motivation.
“The real question is, can he manage to not play matches and get ready for such a big event as a Grand Slam? Nothing replaces matches. Of course he doesn’t need to play a lot, but he needs to play a few that he is going to win with the right mindset.
“To think ‘I am going to go to a Grand Slam and suddenly everything is going to click’ is quite a bet. I have questions [about this decision].”
