From dominance to defeats, are we now heading towards the end of a magical phase in the tennis world? With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s retirement, Novak Djokovic was the sole torchbearer when it came to carrying forward the legacy of the ‘Big 3’. But surprisingly, the Serb hasn’t won a single title since the Paris Olympics last summer. Moreover, he has a win-loss record of just 12-6. His best result this season was reaching the final of the Miami Open, but after that, he made two consecutive early exits (Monte Carlo & Madrid). In fact, this is also his second three-match losing streak of this season. Looking at his horrid form over the past few months, fans have been questioning: Is his retirement around the corner? Well, after his exit from the Indian Wells, the Serb was heard saying, “Things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level.” But according to his latest statements, he isn’t yet ready to call it the end of his 22-year-long illustrious career.

Known for his sheer dominance on the courts, Novak Djokovic had already witnessed four first-match defeats in the first four months. During the Miami Open, although he claimed “I still have it in my legs, in my hands, in my arms,” and portrayed his intentions to compete with the younger generation at the “highest level”, after his recent defeat to Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open, he admitted it has been a new “challenge mentally” for him these days. Even during an interview in March this year, he admitted that sometimes he feels a bit “unmotivated” and “less inspired” to travel and play.

Does he really look forward to hanging up his rackets very soon? Well, debunking all the rumors and speculations in an interview with Business Traveler USA, the Serb said tennis has consumed “most of my life since a very young age,” and he claimed, “I’ve devoted my mental, physical, and emotional energy to it—and boy, did I have a reward from it.”

Novak Djokovic has earned $186 million in prize money alone and a further $365 million in off-court earnings, and tell you what? He has no intentions of bringing an end any sooner. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, It’s never enough. Because once it’s enough, then it’s really enough and you have to put the racquet aside. And I still….I still don’t feel it’s enough for me.“

Desire is there, but support? Well, in a previous interview with GQ Magazine, Djokovic jokingly said that his father had been trying to get him to retire for some time. “He respects my decision to move forward and, of course, understands why I want to continue, but he says to me: ‘What else do you want to do?’“ Novak Djokovic is still stuck at 99 career singles titles! Can he reach his 100th at the French Open? Time will tell! But what does the tennis world have to say about his recent struggles?

“The motivation is gone” – Tennis legends showcase their concern surrounding Novak Djokovic’s poor form

On one side, there are former players like Juan Martin del Potro  who claim that as long as Novak Djokovic keeps playing, he will remain the “best on the tour.” Can he win yet another Grand Slam, though? “I think that winning another Grand Slam is very personal for him. I even think that he can win many more.”

Then, after seeing his recent withdrawal from the Italian Open, Jim Courier said, “It’s worrying because that’s the best place to get ready for Roland Garros.” This will be the first time since making his main draw debut in 2007 that he will be missing this tournament. His withdrawal comes amid a streak of defeats, and this is what makes Rennae Stubbs also a bit concerned.

After seeing his exit from the Madrid Open, Stubbs wrote, “The worry index continues for Novak.” Then later on she added, “When you lose your aura, and in turn are NOT locking down & making these guys suffer, like double-faulting 2 x in a row to drop serve in the 1st set. U would never see that from Nole at his best. How do u get that confidence back? U have to win & I worry the motivation is gone.” Although, she claimed that she still believes Djokovic can win Grand Slam titles, however, according to the Aussie, things are getting “harder and harder” for the Serb.

Patrick Mouratoglou was seen drawing a similarity between his struggle with Serena Williams in the initial phases of the 2012 season. After achieving almost everything in the tennis world, do you think Novak Djokovic is really lacking a bit of motivation nowadays? Share your thoughts in the comment box.