Former world number three Ivan Ljubicic believes that Novak Djokovic's recent struggles are more psychological in nature than anything else.
The Croatian was a successful player reaching as high as world number 3 rank on the ATP Tour. It was at a time when Roger Federer was number one and Rafael Nadal was number two, so his number 3 rank is certainly a notable feat.
Most younger fans remember him as Federer's coach, who worked with him until he retired at the Laver Cup in 2022. The Croatian knows Djokovic well, having played against him, and just from the fact that they stem from the same part of the world.
Ljubicic believes that Djokovic's recent problems are more psychological in nature. It's a bit strange to hear that because most of us know Djokovic as a mental giant. The Croatian elaborated on his position in the interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport.
"His is a psychological problem, he certainly hasn't forgotten how to play tennis. Undoubtedly Nole must have the fire inside, otherwise he's missing something. But I'm convinced that as his real goals for the season, the Roland Garros, get closer, Wimbledon and the Olympics, he will bounce back."
It's an interesting perspective from Ljubicic, but it has some merit. Djokovic looked very nervous in his match against Luca Nardi in Indian Wells, and he played it rather uncharacteristically.
He looked almost helpless against Jannik Sinner in Melbourne, which also manifested itself through a lot of shouting at his box. The severing of ties with Goran Ivanisevic might have been impulsive, but it also shows that Djokovic is searching for answers and is willing to try some drastic things.
That could also be a hint, but ultimately, we won't know. Ljubicic is certain that Djokovic will bounce back, and it's pretty hard to argue against that.
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