Novak Djokovic strikes a thoughtful tone. © ANSA / CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH

Djokovic's fight against "inner voices"

This week, Novak Djokovic is chasing his long-awaited 100th tournament victory in his former home of Monte Carlo. Before he does, however, he offers deep insights into his emotional world. He talks about how he's rediscovered the joy of tennis and how he sometimes struggles with himself.

06 April 2025

From: apa

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic triumphed at the Masters 2013 tournament in Monte Carlo in 2015 and 1000. However, the 24-time major champion, who turns 38 next month, didn't arrive in the principality with such high expectations this time. The good news for Djokovic fans, however, is that with the final in Miami, he has "rediscovered the joy of the court," as he said at a small press roundtable on Sunday.

Djokovic came to the Côte d'Azur without "super coach" Andy Murray, but instead with his brother Marko. "Andy's probably practicing his golf swing," joked Djokovic, but the Monaco trip was never part of the deal. In Madrid, the former Scottish star will be back with the Djokovic clan. "It's nice to be spending time with my brother on the tour; I don't see him that often."

Eye infection set Djokovic back

Djokovic is in the late autumn of his career. After losing to Alexander Zverev in the Melbourne semifinals due to what was later revealed to be a torn muscle, he suffered surprising first-round losses in Doha and Indian Wells before advancing to the Miami final without dropping a set.

Novak Djokovic recently showed his strength in Miami, but his 100th tournament victory has eluded him (so far). © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

"It's a great encouragement to see how I played there. It was a tournament with high-quality tennis from my side," Djokovic reflected. While he doesn't expect too much from Monte Carlo, he certainly wants to reach his peak form at Roland Garros.

“I found joy again in Miami” Novak Djokovic

The motivation is back, but Djokovic admitted that after early losses, the "inner voices" telling him to give it up had become louder. "I'm glad that I at least found joy on the court in Miami. Let's see if I can bring that to clay."
However, his recent eye infection isn't completely gone yet. "It's getting better, the doctor will check it today. But it should be okay for the first round."

Retiring after 25th Slam title?

Djokovic has not yet considered an exit scenario, not even if he were to win his 25th tournament title with his 100th major triumph, as the WATER asked. "I don't think so, but you never know. I still feel like I have gas left in the tank. As I showed in Australia and Miami, I can still play at a high level." It gives him satisfaction to be on the court and compete with the best.

"I know there are people who think I should leave tennis on a high, and many thought I should have retired after the gold medal last year. But you never know. Let's see what the future holds. But if you tell me I win the 100th title at any of the Slams this year, I'll sign it immediately. But that's a big mountain to climb. You have to be humble."