Novak Djokovic has defied the sands of time with his stunning longevity at the top of the men’s game, but his latest statement has fuelled the belief that the fire that has driven him on is in danger of losing some of its heat.
Djokovic pulled out of this week’s Miami Open to balance his “private and professional schedule”, with the reason he gave for his decision not to play in Miami raising plenty of eyebrows.
After the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a shock defeat to world No 123 Luca Nardi at Indian Wells earlier this week, he posted on X: “Hi Miami! Unfortunately I won’t be playing the @MiamiOpen this year.
“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule.
“I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world. I’m looking to competing in MI in future!”
Djokovic gave a broad hint that he would not play in Miami after his shock defeat against Nardi, but his move to confirm his absence was due to his desire to spend more time with his family and away from the court was a telling comment.
Former world No 4 Henman then claimed that the 24-time Grand Slam champion not citing a physical reason for his withdrawal would lead to more speculation.
“It’s quite revealing in some respects, because it could’ve been very easy to say, ‘my elbow’s a bit sore, heavy balls in the desert, and I’m gonna take time off’,” Henman told Sky Sports Tennis.
“And no one would’ve said anything, but when you sort of elaborate down those avenues, I think it probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.
“So, fingers crossed he can sort out whatever the issues are and we can see him back on court in the not too distant future.”
Henman’s suggestion that Djokovic has ‘issues’ off the court may hint at an underlying problem, yet it has become increasingly evident that the Serbian’s eagerness to cut back on his tennis schedule is now becoming a priority.
He still appears to be highly motivated to compete at Grand Slam tournaments as he looks to add to his legacy as the most successful player of all-time by winning more of the game’s marquee events.
Yet unless he can find a way to motivate himself to play ATP 1000 events and get match practice in before the majors, his run of relentless success may not be sustainable.
Djokovic has been careful to ensure he doesn’t spend too much time on court as he looks to ensure he avoids injuries at the back end of his career, but he needs match practice to be competitive against the next generation of players.
When Djokovic was younger and his youthful opposition was a little less menacing, he could afford to play a handful of events and still be the favourite in every draw he is a part of.
Yet with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner proving they have the weapons required to beat Djokovic in Grand Slam matches, he now has challengers that may be too much to handle if they are match sharp and he is trying to find his feet after lengthy spells away from the court.
There is no doubt that Djokovic’s focus has shifted since he hired a new agent last year, with his appearance as a guest player at the Ryder Cup pro-am event followed up by appearances as a guest at the Ballon d’Or football ceremony and several more high profile events.
He has been photographed with NBA basketball players in recent days, with the tennis world in full flow despite his absence in Miami.
Djokovic is more than capable of winning more Grand Slam titles after his 37th birthday, but can he do it as a part-time tennis player?
That seems doubtful so Djokovic may need to enter a few more clay court tournaments that he was originally planning he aims to get match sharp ahead of his defence of the French Open title this summer.
Djokovic has done more than enough to be etched into tennis history as the greatest player of all-time and his security in that position may have contributed to his waning passion for more winning.
You write this incredible champion off at your peril, but there are clear signs that his era of domination may have already come to an end.
