Novak Djokovic showed visible frustration during a practice session with Andy Murray ahead of the Madrid Open, as he continues to struggle with form.
The 37-year-old Serbian star is eager to bounce back after a string of disappointing results, including a first-round loss to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and a defeat to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final.
Retired tennis great Andy Murray, who joined Djokovic’s coaching team in November, has been working closely with the 24-time Grand Slam champion to help him regain top form. However, tensions ran high in Madrid, with Djokovic overheard exclaiming, “F*** this sport, f*** tennis, f*** everything,” during a frustrating session.
Fans reacted with amusement, suggesting Murray’s famously fiery demeanor may be influencing his old rival.
Djokovic is scheduled to face Matteo Arnaldi in the Madrid Open first round on Saturday. Speaking to Sky Sports, he admitted his current level is not where he wants it to be but emphasized that the focus is on peaking for the French Open and Wimbledon.
“The priority is to raise the level of my tennis. We’re putting in hours on the court and in the gym to fine-tune every part of my game. If I can find that level during this tournament, it would be amazing,” Djokovic said. “But my main goal is to peak in Paris and London.”
Despite the rocky clay season so far, Djokovic remains determined to reset and rise again on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
