Paolo Bertolucci, Tennis Analyst has shared some bold claims regarding Novak Djokovic. Paolo has revealed that it has been said by his Serbian colleagues that Novak Djokovic “is not very focused in tennis” currently following the Serbian’s Miami Open withdrawal.
The Italian announced that the current World No. 1 will “probably take some days off and then try to reach his best level for the clay season.”
Djokovic endured a stunning three-set defeat to 20-year-old Italian Luca Nardi, who’s the world No 123. He’s also a lucky loser at the event as he faced The Serbian in the third round of the 2024 Indian Wells Open earlier this week.
On Thursday, Djokovic announced his decision to skip the second leg of the ‘Sunshine Double’ by withdrawing from the Miami Open, scheduled from March 20-31. The 36-year-old has not played the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami since 2019.
The ‘Joker’ began the season of 2024 at the United Cup in Perth. There he lost to Alex de Minaur in his first defeat in Australia since 2018. Then, Djokovic was defeated by eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, thus ending his 33-match winning streak at the Melbourne major.
Bertolucci Speculates on Novak Djokovic’s Mental Focus Amidst Tennis Season
Bertolucci, while commentating on the Indian Wells Masters for Sky Italia, explained he had been informed that Djokovic is not fully engaged mentally with tennis at present.
“I spoke with some Serbian colleagues. Apparently, at the moment, Djokovic’s head is not very focused in tennis. He will probably take some days off and then try to reach his best level for the clay season,” the Italian said.
Last month, Bertolucci evaluated whether Djokovic’s loss to Sinner at the Australian Open marked a turning point and indicated that Indian Wells and Miami would be crucial for the Serbian legend.
You Can Also Read: Andy Roddick reveals why Novak Djokovic Is ‘Undervalued’ as he gives locker room insight
“He is a player who played badly in Australia, as in previous matches. We have never seen him in good condition [this year],” the Italian told Fanpage.
“Now, if this is due to a problem that can happen, because it happens that someone doesn’t get his preparation right, or if the decline has begun, we will find out in the American [tournaments] between Indian Wells and Miami.”
“We will see if he has recovered or not. I have no ideas because we would have to have seen the training sessions, understand if he stopped or not and with what intensity. Only those who know that within the team.”
Novak Djokovic is expected to appear next at the Monte Carlo Masters in April. That will be the first big tournament of the European clay-court season.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic Pulls Out Of miami Open in a surprise move after shocking Indian Wells Exit