Patrick Mouratoglou believes Novak Djokovic all but admitted that overcoming the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner challenge may be impossible, and the French coach predicts the 38-year-old won't hesitate to retire soon if his "inner conviction" is gone."
After Djokovic made all four Grand Slam finals in 2023 and lifted three Major titles, there were no signs of him slowing down anytime soon. But a lot has changed since then as Alcaraz and Sinner have established themselves as dominant forces, while the Serb has gone two full seasons without a Grand Slam for the first time in many years.
By reaching the semifinal in all four Grand Slams this year, Djokovic proved that he could make deep runs on the biggest stage. But after being routed by Alcaraz and Sinner on multiple Slam occasions in the last two years, the current world No. 4 candidly admitted that he wasn't on their level.
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"From being untouchable, he started to lose against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. And now, he admits, 'My body is not strong enough to fight those two guys in five-set Grand Slams,'" Mouratoglou said.
Mouratoglou: If Djokovic's inner conviction is gone, the body will follow
After losing to Alcaraz in straight sets in the US Open semifinal, Djokovic admitted that with every Grand Slam, it was becoming harder for him to win. However, he confirmed his intention to return in 2026 and try again.
"Earlier in his career, when he was behind Federer and Nadal, he always said, 'I will find a way, I will be better.' Now, he says, 'The door is closed.' This shift is massive. Novak's greatest strength was his unbreakable belief. If that inner conviction is gone, the body follows. If Novak feels he can no longer win Slams, I don't think he will keep playing much longer," Mouratoglou added.
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The Australian Open is Djokovic's most successful Grand Slam since he is a record 10-time champion there. There is no doubt that the Serb will hope that Melbourne Park is his lucky charm once again.
