Novak Djokovic 'not very focused on tennis' according to former World No.12 after speaking to Serbian colleagues

Paolo Bertolucci, a tennis analyst, revealed that his Serbian colleagues say Novak Djokovic doesn't prioritize tennis following his withdrawal from the Miami Open. The former Italian tennis player commented that Djokovic will take some days off to return in better form for the clay season.

Djokovic hasn't had the start to the season he hoped for after his semifinal defeat at the Australian Open against Jannik Sinner, ending his streak of 33 consecutive wins in Melbourne.

Now, in his second tournament of the year, the 24-time Grand Slam champion faced difficulties in his opening match against Aleksandar Vukic but managed to prevail in three sets by 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. In the round of 32, he suffered his worst defeat in a Masters 1000 event in terms of ranking, falling to Luca Nardi (No. 123) by 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Additionally, Djokovic recently announced his retirement from the Miami Open. Paolo Bertolucci stated on Sky Italia that he was informed Djokovic isn't entirely focused on tennis and will try to return in better shape for the clay season:

“I spoke with some Serbian colleagues. Apparently, at the moment, Djokovic’s head is not very focused in tennis. He will probably take some days off and then try to reach his best level for the clay season,” the Italian said.

“He is a player who played badly in Australia, as in previous matches. We have never seen him in good condition [this year],” the Italian told Fanpage.

“Now, if this is due to a problem that can happen, because it happens that someone doesn’t get his preparation right, or if the decline has begun, we will find out in the American [tournaments] between Indian Wells and Miami.

“We will see if he has recovered or not. I have no ideas because we would have to have seen the training sessions, understand if he stopped or not and with what intensity. Only those who know that within the team,” he added.