"It's like he was searching for something": Novak Djokovic's lack of physicality 'concerning' says Andy Roddick
ATP
Andy
Roddick expressed concern about Novak Djokovic's physical condition after his
exit in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters against Casper Ruud. The
Serbian has struggled to find good form at the beginning of the clay swing for
several years, and he had not achieved consecutive victories in the tournament
since 2019.
This year,
Djokovic managed to reach the semifinals (the last time was in 2015), with wins
over Roman Safiulin, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex De Minaur, all in straight sets.
However, his journey ended in the semifinals against the Norwegian, who had not
even won a set in their previous five encounters, but this time secured victory
and advanced to the final with a score of 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
The 3-times
Grand Slam finalist reached his second Masters 1000 final and claimed his first
win over a top-3 player: "I am super happy. This is a day I will remember
for a long time. Beating a world number one is something I have never done and
beating Novak is something I have never done."
Roddick suggests that Djokovic is not in full physical form
The former
American world No. 1 commented on Djokovic's defeat and opined that the 24-time
Grand Slam champion appeared tired at times during the match. Nole had
previously acknowledged difficulties dealing with the heat at the Australian
Open and later at Indian Wells.
The same
issue was observed this time in Monte-Carlo, on a relatively cold afternoon,
with Djokovic looking flushed and struggling to find the necessary energy
level. Given this, Roddick wondered if Djokovic is in good physical condition:
“I’m having
a hard time getting a read on the Novak we say in Monte Carlo and the
reasonings for it,” the 2003 US Open champion said. “In the first set, he
looked exhausted. The rally would go seven or eight balls and he looked
exhausted. We are talking a 72-degree day and 2-2 or 3-3 in the first set and
it was weird to watch.”
Next challenge for Djokovic will be at Madrid Open
“Then he
finds his game and comes back, but in the last game of the match he missed a
first ball, he misses a high volley by seven or eight feet… we are supposed to
know what is going to happen based on history and it just didn’t all week.”
“It’s like
he was searching for something all week. The physical stuff, I don’t know what
it is. It’s a little concerning. You don’t normally see someone who is jaded
early and comes back, but it’s a little concerning,” he concluded.
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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