“He doesn't play with the goal to win more Grand Slams”: Patrick Mouratoglou questions what drives Novak Djokovic now

Saturday, 05 September 2026 at 20:30

Patrick Mouratoglou has offered a striking theory about what is keeping Novak Djokovic on the tennis court, suggesting the Serbian is no longer primarily motivated by the pursuit of more Grand Slam titles. Instead, the French coach believes Djokovic has already achieved the defining goal of his career and is now playing for something entirely different.

The comments come after Djokovic's shock first-round defeat to Mariano Navone at the US Open. It was only the third opening-round loss of his career at a Grand Slam and his first since the 2006 Australian Open, extending his wait for a 25th major title.

Djokovic has now gone three years without winning a Grand Slam, with his last title coming at the 2023 US Open. Yet his recent record shows he remains among the sport's elite, reaching two finals and six semifinals in his last 12 major appearances.

Mouratoglou believes Djokovic's ultimate goal has already been achieved

Mouratoglou argued that Djokovic no longer enters tournaments driven by the same ambition that defined most of his career. “I feel that he doesn't play with the goal to win more Grand Slams anymore,” Mouratoglou said in a recent video on social media. “I think he beat all the records. The dream of his career for him was to become the greatest of all times.”

Novak Djokovic hitting backhand at 2026 US Open.

Djokovic spent much of his career chasing and eventually surpassing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Mouratoglou believes winning that historic battle removed a major source of motivation, particularly after Nadal's retirement.

“He was competing against the two other monsters and he ended up winning,” Mouratoglou continued. “And you could feel that right after Nadal retired, his motivation just went out of his body and it's completely understandable.”

The French coach's comments arrive as Djokovic faces increasingly difficult physical challenges. The Serbian showed signs of fatigue against Navone, continuing a pattern seen during several major matches this season. At 39, sustaining his level across five-set matches and two weeks of Grand Slam competition has become progressively harder.

“He still plays to get the love of the people”

Mouratoglou's most controversial claim concerned why Djokovic continues to play despite having already achieved virtually everything possible in tennis. “But why does he still play then? I think he still plays to get the love of the people,” he said. “I think he suffered a lot from being the one that was not liked as much as the two other guys.”

According to Mouratoglou, Djokovic may see the final years of his career as an opportunity to reshape his relationship with fans. The pressure of chasing records has disappeared, allowing him to show a more relaxed version of himself.

“He probably thinks, 'OK, I have two more years. I can still play. I can play quarters, semis of Grand Slams, sometimes a final. So I'm going to play matches in front of millions and millions of people. And I can show my true self.”

“I'm more relaxed now. I'm not as angry as I was before when I wanted to win so much. And people are going to know me better and like me.' And it's important for him.”

It is a striking interpretation of a player who has repeatedly spoken about his desire to continue competing at the highest level. But Mouratoglou believes that a change in motivation could explain why Djokovic has remained competitive without adding another major trophy.

Mouratoglou on Djokovic: “He doesn’t play with the goal to win more Grand Slams. He stills plays to get the love from the people. He suffered a lot from being the one that was not liked as much as the two other guys...It’s not a good reason to play.”
by u/Suspicious-Power-230 in tennis

Still elite, but increasingly vulnerable

The statistics underline the unusual position Djokovic currently occupies. Since 2024, he has compiled a 48-11 record in Grand Slam main draws, with only Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz posting better numbers. However, those deep runs have no longer translated into titles.

His defeats in 2026 have also raised new questions. A third-round loss to Joao Fonseca at Roland Garros was followed by the stunning defeat to Navone in New York, suggesting that Djokovic's vulnerability is no longer limited to facing Alcaraz and Sinner.

Novak Djokovic waiting for the ball at 2026 US Open.

For Mouratoglou, however, the issue is not simply physical. “And I think that's not a good reason to play,” he said of his theory about Djokovic seeking greater public acceptance. “And I think because he plays for that, he's not in the right mindset when it comes to the matches.”

His season record now stands at 14-6, while his US Open exit guarantees that he will leave the top 10 for first time after eight years. With his 40th birthday approaching in 2027, the window to add another Grand Slam title is narrowing.

Djokovic has spent his entire career proving predictions wrong, and his recent Grand Slam record shows he remains capable of challenging the best players in the world. But Mouratoglou's theory raises a different question: after winning every record and outlasting his greatest rivals, what exactly is left to drive Novak Djokovic?

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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