BREAKING: Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has stirred debate across the tennis world after making a bold comparison between Novak Djokovic’s current struggles and the late-career challenges faced by Serena Williams. In a recent interview, Mouratoglou claimed Djokovic is now facing the same “big problem” that plagued Williams during her final seasons — the immense psychological pressure of legacy and expectation.
Djokovic, currently experiencing a rare trophy drought in 2025, has yet to claim a single title this season. For a player with 24 Grand Slam titles and a record-breaking career, the absence of silverware is being closely scrutinized by media, fans, and now — one of the game’s most respected coaches.
“Novak is going through something very familiar,” Mouratoglou said. “It’s the same big problem Serena dealt with in her last years — when your legacy becomes so big, every match feels like a referendum on your career. That pressure is more exhausting than the tennis itself.”
Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams through some of the most intense phases of her career, including her pursuit of Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record, emphasized that mental weight often affects decision-making, freedom on court, and ultimately, performance.
“When Serena was chasing that 24th Slam, every step was heavy. Every opponent played her with nothing to lose. The pressure didn’t come from others — it came from the desire to finish her story perfectly,” he explained. “That’s what Novak is experiencing now. He’s trying to close the book with the perfect ending, but tennis doesn’t always allow that.”
Djokovic has not directly addressed Mouratoglou’s comments but did acknowledge in a recent press conference that “this stage of my career is different,” admitting that motivation and physical form require more management now than ever before. “I’m still hungry, but I have to listen to my body more carefully,” Djokovic said after a surprise early exit at the Madrid Open.
While some analysts argue that Djokovic’s slump is merely temporary, others believe Mouratoglou’s comments hit at a deeper truth — that even the greatest champions are not immune to the emotional toll of historic expectations.
Reactions to Mouratoglou’s remarks have been mixed. Some fans appreciated the honesty and the respectful parallel drawn between two legends of the sport. Others criticized the comparison, arguing that Djokovic’s situation is not yet comparable to Serena’s final seasons, where injuries and multiple Grand Slam near-misses defined the narrative.
Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear: Djokovic is navigating one of the most complex chapters of his career. With the French Open approaching, all eyes are on whether the Serbian star can regain his rhythm and silence the growing doubts.
For now, Mouratoglou’s comments have added fuel to an already heated conversation — one that goes beyond results and touches on the psychological battles that define the twilight of a champion’s journey.
