Coach Vajda shares his thoughts on Djokovic’s inconsistent 2024 form and results.
Coach Marian Vajda is pumping the brakes on the Novak Djokovic is done talk as the Serb’s former long-time coach believes the record 24-time Grand Slam champion is “not done winning.”
Through his first four tournaments played in 2024, Djokovic is 11-4 and has had some surprising defeats – which are not really common for him. This week, Djokovic appeared to be finding his groove after winning three matches in straight sets at the Monte Carlo Masters but then a 4-6 6-1 4-6 semifinal loss to Casper Ruud happened.
Before the Ruud loss, Djokovic didn’t look good in an Australian Open semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner and he was also not anywhere near his best when he lost to Luca Nardi in the Indian Wells Masters third round.
However, Vajda is not really that concerned for Djokovic as he believes the 36-year-old is “trying to adapt and find the right balance” in “a new method” he has been trying to implement.
Vajda: Djokovic not done winning
In his interview with Ubitennis, Vajda named Sinner as currently “the strongest player” in the game but also explained why he doesn’t agree with claims that Djokovic’s time has passed.
“He can’t imagine playing all the tournaments like he used to. The ATP calendar is too intense, he has to make choices,” Vajda told Ubitennis.
“The greatest motivation for him is the Slams and the Olympics. So he has to find the time to prepare, to train well, but he can’t put the same focus on the other tournaments as well…
“But Novak knows how to do it, he’s very smart and none of the new top players have his experience, simply because of his age. Also last year he missed several tournaments such as Indian Wells and Miami but then he won Roland Garros, made the final at Wimbledon and won the US Open. So I don’t think he’s done winning and this year he’s going to prove it once again.”
After reaching the Monte Carlo semifinal without a dropped set, Djokovic’s confidence certainly increased and he started feeling better with his game. With that being said, losing to Ruud was certainly very disappointing and likely a cold shower in some ways.
Djokovic will now turn his focus on the Madrid Masters, which starts on April 24th.