'No motive': Celebrated coach says Novak Djokovic 'shouldn't be playing'
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Naomi Osaka's coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who also mentored Serena Williams for 10 years, as well as working with top men's players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, has suggested Novak Djokovic "shouldn't even be playing" and cast doubt over the Serbian champion's motivation in the midst of a three-match losing streak.
Djokovic has struggled this season, with an uncharacteristic win/loss record of 12-6. He has lost his past three matches in a row — at the Miami Open, the Monte Carlos Masters and at the Madrid Open.
After losing to Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-4 in Spain, Djokovic said: "It's a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis.
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"It's a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments."
After his elimination from Madrid, Djokovic pulled out of the Italian Open, shedding doubt on how well he'll be able to play at Roland Garros as he continues to chase a record 25th grand slam trophy and 100th tournament title overall.
Novak Djokovic beaten in Monte Carlo. Getty
The world No.6 hasn't hoisted an ATP trophy since his Tour Finals triumph in late 2023.
Mouratoglou was candid when asked about Djokovic's recent slide, with the popular coach casting doubt on the 37-year-old's fitness, while questioning his commitment.
"I was surprised by his performance in Monte Carlo and then in Madrid," Mouratoglou said.
"It's like that for a guy like him, if he doesn't have the motivation, then he shouldn't even be playing, because it seemed like he wasn't even trying to win.
"I'm not saying he's not capable of playing better, he certainly is, but I feel like he's physically not ready. Tennis-wise, physically, for such tournaments, especially because there is no motive.
"The question arises, why did he play them then? I don't understand that. Motivation is a big thing for him, everything revolves around that and I've been saying that for a while."
Djokovic has spent more weeks ranked No.1 than any other tennis player but is currently the world No.6.
His only title in 2024 or 2025 was the gold medal he claimed by beating Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Paris Olympics last August.
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Djokovic doing it tough in Madrid. Europa Press via Getty Images
"After a great year in 2023, he was far from his level last season, except for the Olympics," Mouratoglou added.
"He obviously needs to have one goal to focus on. The question is, can he allow himself not to play matches and prepare for the grand slams? Nothing can replace playing matches.
"Of course he doesn't have to play a lot, but he has to have at least a few matches that will give him the right attitude. Thinking like, 'I'm going to a grand slam and everything will suddenly be fine,' that's a real gamble. I question his decision not to play (the Italian Open)."
Djokovic has repeatedly said that what now matters to him is adding to his grand slam tally. The French Open begins on May 25.
He had to withdraw during last year's tournament at Roland Garros because of a knee injury that required surgery.
Djokovic also had to retire during the Australian Open this January because of a torn hamstring.
