Breaking News: Steffi Graf reveals terrible secrets about Novak Djokovic during press following a heated…..
Novak Djokovic’s recent setbacks might put him in a vicious cycle, according to Steffi Graf’s old coach.
In comparison to previous years, Djokovic has played much less in the last several seasons. For instance, he played 88 games in 2015 and recorded an outstanding 82-6 record. The Serbian also participated in 87 games in 2012 and 2013.
It’s clear that he can’t play as much now, ten years later. In 2019, Djokovic last participated in a season with at least 65 games. Both 2018 and 2019 saw him surpass that milestone, although the 24-time Grand Slam winner has been playing less since 2020.
In 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, he played 52, 56, 49, 63, and 46 games, respectively. Only after the 2017 season, which finished in July yet saw Djokovic play 40 matches, did he really play the second-fewest matches in his career in 2024.
The 37-year-old also hinted that he could play even less this year, but he then changed his mind and participated in both the ATP 500 tournament in Doha and the ATP 250 event in Brisbane.
But Djokovic didn’t necessarily play more matches even if he registered for more events. Since the former ATP World No. 1 lost more than he used to, he didn’t play as much tennis, which is a sport where winning more equals playing more. He has only played in 11 games this year so far.
Djokovic suffered his first three-match losing streak since 2018 in the 2025 Indian Wells Open, when he was defeated by Botic van de Zandschulp.
Former ATP World No. 22 player Heinz Günthardt, who has coached a game icon and someone who has won more than 20 major titles, believes that playing less and less might become a problem.
Günthardt, who collaborated with Steffi Graf from 1992 to 1999, discussed Djokovic’s difficulties with the Swiss magazine Blick. The 66-year-old believes that the Serbian’s lack of playing time will seriously hurt him.
“Playing so little turns into a serious disability. The rhythm of games also helps with reflexes and confidence. Additionally, a few millimeters of delay can make all the difference in a high-level tennis match.
Working with Steffi Graf in the last years of her tennis career gave the Swiss coach firsthand knowledge of what it takes to deal with a player of her caliber.
Everything changes, beginning with the practice. It will be hard for Djokovic to succeed because tennis is a sport of margins, and as he gets older, he will start to lose those small edges everywhere.
“You need to workout more effectively as you get older. It becomes crucial to focus every day. Although we didn’t workout as frequently, every minute mattered. You must train as hard as you can.
Djokovic continues to pursue his 100th career championship and 25th Grand Slam triumph. The 2025 Miami Open is the next tournament he has booked.
