"He just loves to compete": Novak Djokovic's motivation still to play gives edge over Alcaraz believes Rick Macci
ATPWednesday, 29 November 2023 at 16:00
Novak Djokovic's will still to compete and be the best gives him the edge over Carlos Alcaraz believes renowned coach, Rick Macci.
Sealing 98 titles on the ATP Tour, Djokovic no longer really has to compete at the highest level if he doesn't want to. But does so far the love of the game and while a player like Alcaraz is coming up, he hasn't been able to usurp him yet.
Macci himself pointed out to Tennis Infinity that he has nothing left to prove and is merely doing so anymore because he loves the game and so won't let go from that.
Recently, his ex coach Nikola Pilic echoed similar sentiments, but believes he will retire in the next two years from the sport as he begins to wind down and win less. Djokovic has played 12 tournaments only this year, but has sealed the vast majority.
"Well, I mean, that's why he is the GOAT. He's checked more boxes than anybody, but I think now what he's showing is his consistency mentally and the motivation that he still has. He's all about the competition, it's not about anything else."
"He just loves to compete with anybody, anytime, anywhere. Even though Alcaraz and other guys are knocking on the door and Carlos has the ability to take the throne over, you can't replace experience. You can't replace knowing how to win, especially at Grand Slams."
"But we're looking at something the world has never seen. He's the greatest male tennis player ever to hold a racket. But people can learn so much from him about, 'I just love to compete.' Because he doesn't need to play. What does he have left to prove? He just loves to play and compete. And that's how you handle pressure better."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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