A disappointed Novak Djokovic
Former world No 21 Steve Johnson has expressed uncertainty over Novak Djokovic’s “plan” as he questioned the Serbian’s decision to play at the Qatar Open.
Djokovic lost 7-6(4), 6-2 to Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the ATP 500 tournament in Doha last week.
The tennis legend made a swift return to action in Qatar after the hamstring tear that ended his Australian Open campaign.
The 37-year-old suffered the injury during his four-set quarter-final triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne, but he was unable to continue after losing the opening set of his semi-final with Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic said he felt fine physically after his early exit in Doha, although a video surfaced showing him appearing to limp as he entered an airport to depart from Doha.
The former world No 1 has his sights set on winning a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title in 2025, while he is also chasing his 100th singles title in total.
On the Nothing Major podcast, Johnson spoke candidly about Djokovic playing in Qatar and argued the world No 7 has been looked flat emotionally more often recently.
“I am not sure what Novak’s plan is going forward, nobody knows it but him,” the American said. “I don’t know why he is playing this tournament just in general.
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“It feels like he just wants to win Slams to continue his legacy and stamp as the greatest champion of the sport we have ever seen.
“There is 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.
“It just feels as if he is not as motivated to win in Dubai or Doha than he is to win a Slam, which is rightfully so, because that’s the only thing which can further his legacy.
“Good to see him out there playing, I thought we weren’t going to see him until Indian Wells and just play some of the Masters series to win the French [Open], win Wimby [Wimbledon]. So interesting to see him out there.
“It sometimes feels that he is a bit flat emotionally, which has usually never been the case for him.
“So he has earned the right to play whatever schedule he deserves and wants to do.
“It’s a tough draw going against Berrettini who played really well that match, the serve, the forehand. Everything was going well.
“So it’s just interesting to watch Novak in these events because the Doha title is not going to further his legacy, so I’m not sure his emotional investment.”
