Djoko decline shows the end is approaching

Novak Djokovic met the growing harsh reality of his career with the 24-time Grand Slam champion knocked out of the Madrid Masters on Saturday 6-3, 6-4 by Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.

With his 38th birthday approaching in a month, the Serb has yet to shine this season, winning his last – and 99th – title at the Paris Olympics of 2024.

With first-match losses on clay in his last two tournaments, Djokovic is starting accept the reality that his world-class career is in its closing stages 

“I’m always trying to be optimistic, and I know what I’m capable of. But again, things are different, obviously, with my strokes, with my body, with my movement,” he said.

“It’s the reality that I have to accept. I’ll try to make the most out of these new circumstances that I have, particularly at Grand Slams, where it counts the most for me, at least where I would like to do my best.”

The three-time Madrid title winner added: “It’s kind of a new reality for me, I have to say.  Trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament. 

“It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis, so it’s kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these kind of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments.”

The veteran called the changes “the circle of life and the career.”

“Eventually it was going to happen. I’m trying to use this as a driving force for the future – obviously Grand Slams, These are the most important tournaments for me. 

“Grand Slams are where I really want to play the best tennis. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do that in Roland Garros, but I’ll do my best.

“I cannot sit here and complain about my career or anything.

But (this is) a different feeling that I just have to embrace, accept and deal with in a special way.”