Former tennis superstar, Steve Johnson, has recently weighed in on Novak Djokovic’s unexpected participation in the Doha tournament. Johnson speculates that Djokovic’s involvement could be due to undisclosed “financial obligations and commitments” since, from a strategic standpoint, the Serbian player’s decision seems inexplicable.
Following a disappointing end to his quest for a 25th Grand Slam, brought about by a hamstring injury at the Australian Open, Djokovic reassured fans of his physical wellness. However, his subsequent performance at Doha painted a different picture. The former world No. 1 looked far from his top form as he lost to Matteo Berrettini, 7-6 (4) 6-2, in his first match of the tournament.
Adding to the suspicion surrounding Djokovic’s health, video footage later surfaced showing the 37-year-old player limping toward the Doha airport. This flies in the face of Djokovic’s usual routine post-Australian Open, which typically involves a hiatus until the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami.
Discussing Djokovic’s perplexing decision to play Doha, Johnson expressed his confusion on the Nothing Major Podcast, saying, “I am not sure what Novak’s plan is going forward, nobody knows it but him.” He further questioned why Djokovic would play in such a tournament, suggesting that the Serbian star’s primary focus is winning slams to secure his legacy as the sport’s greatest champion.
Johnson also hinted at potentially existing financial commitments that might be influencing Djokovic’s tournament choices. He noted, “There are obviously financial obligations and commitments he has made in the past, we don’t know exactly what it takes for him to play these types of events.”
Johnson further suggested that Djokovic could be less motivated to win tournaments like Dubai or Doha, compared to a Grand Slam. This speculation makes sense considering winning a Grand Slam is a more prestigious achievement that can further enhance his legacy.
In other Djokovic news, the Indian Wells organizers have confirmed his participation in their upcoming tournament, set to kick off on March 5th. The Serbian player has a commendable record at Indian Wells, having secured five titles. However, his last victory at this tournament dates back to 2016.
In conclusion, Djokovic’s recent performance and choice of tournaments have raised questions about his motivations and physical health. As the tennis world continues to speculate, the true reasons behind his decisions remain known only to Djokovic himself.