Losing in the quarter-final of the grand slam tournament is usually a achievement for players, but for Novak Djokovic it was the latest blip in a series of setbacks.
Facing Dominic Thiem on Court Philippe Chatrier, the world No.2 lacked the intensity and consistency to trouble the Austrian. Djokovic started the match in a promising fashion before rapidly declining against a impressive Thiem, who he had previously defeated on five occasions. One of the worst parts of the performance was Djokovic’s ability to win only eight points in the third set.
“It’s hard to comment on the third set. Obviously nothing was going my way and everything his way. Just pretty bad set.” Said Djokovic.
“All in all, it was decided (the match) I think in the first set.”
The frank admission from the Current French Open champion comes as he struggles to find the form he had when he that topped the Emirates rankings for 223 weeks. This season continues to be a never ending search party for Djokovic. In May he dismissed his coaching team in a bid to rediscover his tennis. After eight tournaments played in 2017, he has only reached two finals and won one title in Doha in January.
Finding an explanation for the lull continues to elude everybody, including Djokovic. Down two sets against Thiem, there was no desire or firepower displayed by him. It was as if Djokovic accepted that he was going to lose and he couldn’t do anything about it. Mentally, he was done. A position that provides him with an uncertain future on the tour.
“It’s unfortunate to finish Roland Garros the way I have done today.” He admitted.
“For me, it’s a whole new situation that I’m facing, especially in the last seven, eight months,not winning any tournament, which hasn’t happened in many year.”
Time for a break?
Recently enlisting the help of Andre Agassi, it is too early to tell what impact he might have on Djokovic. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need of change to occur. Failing to reach the last four at two consecutive grand slams for the first time since 2010, a potential break could help his resurgence. Roger Federer has said on previous occasions that taking breaks from the tour have contributed towards his longevity on the tour.
“I’m thinking about many things, especially in the last couple of months.” The world No.2 revealed.
“Obviously it’s not an easy decision to make, but I will see how I feel, anyway, after Roland Garros and then decide what to do next.”
Still indecision continues to hinder the 30-year-old. During his press conference on Friday he talked about a potential break, but prior to that he revealed that he might play a tournament before Wimbledon. It is almost as if the structure to his career is no longer there. Instead he is just trying out many things with the hope of getting the results. It is an understandable approach, but one that is currently hurting his career.
I’m feeling like I’m missing my consistency. I play a great match or two in a row, and then I play a complete opposite match.
It could be argued that today was just a bad day at the office for Djokovic. Still, those ‘bad days’ are one becoming more regular over the past twelve months. The Serbian still has the ability to play against the best in the world, but he is no longer mentally strong as he once was. Djokovic is a strong advocate for peace and harmony in the world, but the irony is that there is nothing harmonious about his current game. It is for this reason why nobody knows what to expect next from the multiple grand slam champion.
As a result of his latest disappointment, Djokovic will exit the world’s top-two on the ATP rankings for the first time since 2011. His points on the tour now stand at 5805, his lowest tally since June 2007.
