“I will find a way, I will be better.” For years, when Novak Djokovic trailed the other two members of the Big Three, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, he always looked to improve himself. That invincible mindset eventually made him one of the most celebrated stars in tennis. But despite him reaching the semifinals of all four Slams this season, being beaten by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in 3 of 4 semis has replaced that self-belief with self-doubt. Even though the 24x majors champ still wishes to fight for another trophy, at least, Serena Williams’ former coach doesn’t agree with him anymore.

Patrick Mouratoglou—who previously guided Serena Williams to 10 of her 23 major titles back in the day—gave his take on Djokovic’s ongoing Slam struggles on his latest LinkedIn post. “It’s incredible to think that just two years ago, Novak was on top of the world. He was the best player by far in 2023: winning three Grand Slams and reaching the final of the fourth,” wrote Mouratoglou. “He was saying: “36 is the new 26, my body is in perfect shape… Today, the message has changed. From being untouchable, he started to lose against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. And now, he admits: “my body is not strong enough to fight those two guys in five-set Grand Slams.”

Over the years, the 38-year-old has faced injury woes and recovered from them to quickly return to the court. However, the times have changed, and so has his body’s capacity to heal quickly. It was visible after he had to retire during the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev. Then, his muscle tear became too much to overcome, and he had to take a break from tennis. But it doesn’t mean his body has completely recovered.

Mouratoglou underlined, “At Roland-Garros, there were signs of limitation. At Wimbledon, it became undeniable. At the US Open, he looked exhausted after just two sets against Carlos. It went from “my body is perfect” to “my body is failing me because of age… The real issue is not whether his body is weaker, but that he seems to believe it. And that belief is new… If that inner conviction is gone, the body follows.”

However, just back in March, the Serbian had stated that he continues to strive for a desired level in tennis, and that’s something that keeps him continuing. But for Williams’ former coach, “If Novak feels he can no longer win Slams, “I don’t think he will keep playing much longer.”

Djokovic’s only title win in 2025 was the Geneva Open; it was also his 100th ATP title on the tour. But at 38, after proving everything that there is, if the Serbian finally calls it a day, no one would bat an eye. He has already amassed records over the years like: Most major singles titles (24), most ATP Masters 1000s (40), most overall weeks at No. 1 (428), most year-end No. 1 finishes (eight), most Grand Slam match wins (397), double Career Grand Slam, double Career Golden Masters, Career Golden Slam, etc.

Novak Djokovic speaks on his Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner woes

Carlos Alcaraz won in straight sets over Novak Djokovic in New York. It was the same case against Jannik Sinner, too, at Roland Garros and then Wimbledon. Although he ended up in the semis of all four slams in 2025, Novak Djokovic revealed his undeniable weak point. “I’m happy with my level of tennis, but it’s just the physicality of it,” he said during the US Open.

Painting a gloomy picture with an honest assessment of his performances against Sincaraz, “I can do only as much as I can do. It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in best-of-five at the Grand Slams. I think I have a better chance in best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough.” After the four semifinal defeats (one against Zverev in Melbourne), one would assume that the thought of retirement might have crossed his mind. So is that the case?

Well, at least not yet. Seems like Djokovic still wants to keep his hunger alive for that magical 25th Grand Slam. “I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy, at least.” However, he reminded everyone, “It’s going to be a very difficult task.” Do you think Djokovic still has the inspiration to power himself to one more Slam triumph? Let us know in the comments below.