“His confidence might be affected”: Mats Wilander intrigued about Novak Djokovic’s competitive edge going in lower-ranked losses

Mats Wilander praised Novak Djokovic’s remarkable achievements as he heads into the Shanghai Masters, highlighting his 24 Grand Slam titles and consistent dominance in the sport. However, he raised questions about Djokovic’s physical condition and mental focus, especially given the challenges of the long season and the evolving competition. Wilander emphasized the importance of maintaining motivation and adapting to the pressures that come with such a high level of success.

Speaking to Eurosport, Mats Wilander emphasized that Novak Djokovic’s ability to perform at such a high level late in his career is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. He noted that Djokovic’s consistency and resilience highlight just how special an athlete he is, underscoring the remarkable achievements he continues to reach in the sport.

Wilander remarked, “Well, Novak Djokovic is one special human being. That we know. For him to have the drive to still go out there, trying to win matches in the big tournaments, but even in the small tournaments, and to play Davis Cup is absolutely incredible. It’s impressive that, physically, he wants to put in the effort.” This underscores Djokovic’s exceptional commitment to the sport and his relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the competition level.

Wilander continued, “But practicing at his age and after achieving so much is an absolute pleasure. I’m not just talking about gym sessions; I mean hitting the tennis ball against the likes of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev.” This highlights the unique challenge and motivation Djokovic faces as he competes with younger players, showcasing his passion for the game despite his extensive accomplishments

Wilander noted that Djokovic practices with the best players in the world because they enjoy it and don’t mind competing against him, even just days before their matches. However, he expressed curiosity about how Djokovic might react when he starts losing to lower-ranked players. “I think that lifestyle part of quitting professional tennis is the part that, personally, I miss the most,” he added, reflecting on the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning away from the sport.