Novak Djokovic is respected from all around the world, thanks to his 24 Grand Slam titles and numerous other achievements. Djokovic, however, has often incurred the wrath of fans and players for his on and off-court antics.
Controversy never seems to elude him. This year as well, he sparked controversy when he refused to give his on-court interview after a match at the Australian Open due to a comment made by an Aussie journalist.
He is not in action at present but a comment made by French tennis player Jules Marie is making headlines. He narrated about his time as Djokovic’s hitting partner and said he was not at all a fan of what the Serb did to him.
When I sparred at Roland Garros, I played five times with Djokovic, he was awful five times. You’re playing on a tightrope with him. You put a ball 1.50m away from him, he doesn’t play it and looks at you like, ‘You do it a second time, I’ll clear you.’ At one point, I serve a ball, he doesn’t play it.
Jules Marie said on Match Point on Instagram
Marie recalled another practice session with Djokovic. He accused the former World No.1 of showing a different side as when they were practicing in front of cameras, Djokovic didn’t display ‘awful’ behavior.
On the other hand, at the Australian Open, I had more sparring status, I had player status. So that was different. And he knew the channel. And we were being filmed, with the cameras, so he couldn’t be awful.
Jules Marie added
Heinz Guenthardt warns Novak Djokovic about the consequence of playing so little
Novak Djokovic has so far played four tournaments this season and he wants to play more as the year progresses. As he has reached the twilight of his career, he is focusing more on the Grand Slam tournaments due to which, he had skipped several events last year.
This season, Djokovic started his campaign at the Brisbane International and participated at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and Indian Wells. Heinz Guenthardt, who had coached 22-time Grand Slam singles champion Steffi Graf, said not playing enough matches is affecting Djokovic’s rhythm, which is why he’s not able to play consistent tennis.
Playing so little becomes a real handicap. Confidence and reflexes also come from the rhythm of matches. And in top-level tennis, a few centimeters of delay can change everything. With age, you have to train more efficiently. Daily concentration becomes essential.
Heinz Guenthardt told Blick
Djokovic was last seen in action in the Indian Wells second round. He was bidding to become a six-time champion in the California desert but his quest was ended by Botic van de Zandschulp.
Novak Djokovic to play at Miami Open next
Novak Djokovic will be playing the Miami Open for the first time since 2019. The World No.5 received a bye for the first round and will kick start his campaign against Rinky Hijikata or compatriot Hamad Medjedovic.
If he reached the quarterfinals, he could face Daniil Medvedev. In the semifinal, there’s a possibility of him locking horns with Carlos Alcaraz, who he defeated in the Australian Open quarterfinals this season.
The 37-year-old has not yet won an ATP trophy since the 2023 ATP Finals, last winning an official title at the 2024 Paris Olympics where he stunned Alcaraz in straight sets in the final. This season, he is yet to reach a final as his best came at the Melbourne Slam where he advanced to the semifinals but a hamstring injury forced him to retire during his match against Alexander Zverev.
