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As Novak Djokovic tried to find the words to describe his latest setback, it appeared he was running out of excuses.
Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp was the latest outsider to add Djokovic’s name to his list of high profile victims, with Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz among those he has also beaten in recent months.
Yet his win against Djokovic may have a lasting impact as there must be a chance it could hasten the retirement of the most successful male tennis player of all-time.
Djokovic still has his sights set on a 25th Grand Slam win and he is one tournament victory away from a 100th ATP Tour title, but both of those dreams seemed a long way in the distance as Djokovic lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 against Van de Zandschulp.
The final set of the match was especially concerning for Djokovic, who sprayed errors throughout the match and appeared to throw in the towel as he lost his serve for a second time in the set.
His press conference appearance confirmed that the images of despondency we all witness on court were also present in the mind of a player who will turn 38 just before the start of the French Open in May.
“I regret the level of tennis I produced, considering how I practice these days,” said a clearly deflated Djokovic.
“To be honest, the difference between the center court and the other courts is immense. The ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts, to be honest. Just struggled a lot with that. Couldn’t find the rhythm.
“When I reflect on this match, obviously I’ll see a little bit more what, you know, I could have done more, but I think he played, I think, some really good points to break my serve. But just, yeah, just putting myself in that position, I shouldn’t allow myself to do that.
“I’m disappointed that I lost, but I guess, you know, if you put things in that larger perspective, of course I’ve had an incredible career. Being consistent for so many years, obviously you have high expectations of yourself.
So it is what it is. You know, I guess nothing can prepare you for that moment, in a sense. You have to experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way.”
They were honest words from a champion who confirmed time and again in 2024 that his motivation to continue in tennis was waning, but that mindset appeared to have been reset for this season.
