Novak Djokovic is one highly motivated individual, but an experienced coach thinks it's not going to remain that way for long.
Novak Djokovic pretty much won everything he could so far in his career on the ATP Tour. Yes, you can be nitpicky and say no gold medal, but the Serbian has had a career far better than he or anybody else predicted him to have. He never misses a chance to underline how blessed he's been over the years to be still able to play on the level he is able to play.
The level is pretty good, the best in the world, according to newly crowned Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz who bested Djokovic in the final a week ago. Motivation is the crucial thing that allows Djokovic to play the way he does, but renowned coach Gunter Bresnik doesn't think it will last much longer.
I have the theory that the rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray drove him to top performances – of course that also applies to the others. Not only in the match, but also in the time in between, during training or preparing for a match.
And this rivalry does not exist with Alcaraz. I have always said that Djokovic will lose motivation once there is no more constant competition with Nadal and Federer and he has won 23 Grand Slam titles.
It's an interesting theory from Bresnik but one that could be challenged. Yes, he might lose motivation considering he's been doing it for so long, but it's hard to imagine Djokovic just mailing it in. The rivalries did drive him to become better, but by now it's surely something ingrained.
Alcaraz, on the other hand, played freely and finds it easier against the older ones, because they are on the decline. The branches are high, but descending.
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