Gunter Bresnik thinks that Novak Djokovic is losing motivation, as he puts forward theory involving Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

Novak Djokovic has appeared to be anything but de-motivated for a large part of the season, having won the Australian Open before also taking the Roland Garros title, which saw him achieve his 23rd Grand Slam victory, equalling the record for most major titles won.

However, his successful run appeared to falter in the final of Wimbledon 2023. As the quadruple-time defending champion, Djokovic was the favorite to take home the trophy at the SW19, and in doing so would have matched Federer's record eight victories at the grasscourt major.

However, the Serb was stopped in his tracks by 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in a five-set thriller 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

Since Djokovic's surprising defeat, respected tennis coach Bresnik, who has trained the likes of Boris Becker, Patrick McEnroe and Dominic Thiem, has put forward a theory that the disappearance of Djokovic's former rivals from the ATP Tour has negatively impacted his motivation in competition.

Bresnik suggested that it was these rivalries that were pushing Djokovic to play at his best. Meanwhile, he stated that Carlos Alcaraz finds it easier because many of the former big players, including two of the big three, are either retired, out with injury, or not playing like they used to.

Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, Bresnik said

"I have the theory that the rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray drove him to top performances – of course that also applies to the others. Not only in the match, but also in the time in between, during training or preparing for a match

"And this rivalry does not exist with Alcaraz. I have always said that Djokovic will lose motivation once there is no more constant competition with Nadal and Federer and he has won 23 Grand Slam titles.

"Alcaraz, on the other hand, played freely and finds it easier against the older ones, because they are on the decline. The branches are high, but descending."