Steffi Graf’s former coach warns that Novak Djokovic’s reduced playing time is turning into a “serious disadvantage.”

Novak Djokovic, a tennis legend who has accumulated a remarkable 24 Grand Slam titles, has recently faced challenges that suggest a shift in his career trajectory. According to Heinz Günthardt, former coach of Steffi Graf, Djokovic’s reduced playing time is becoming a “real handicap” and could hinder his ability to maintain his elite level of performance on the court.

A Shift in Djokovic’s Playing Schedule

Over the years, Djokovic has consistently demonstrated a relentless work ethic and an ability to rack up impressive numbers of matches in a season. For instance, in 2015, he posted a remarkable 82-6 win-loss record while playing a total of 88 matches. In 2012 and 2013, he also played 87 matches in both seasons. These figures were a testament to his physical conditioning and his desire to be at the top of his game year after year.

However, as the years have passed, the Serbian superstar has gradually played fewer matches. Since 2020, his match count has significantly decreased. In 2020, Djokovic played only 52 matches; in 2021, the number dropped slightly to 56; by 2022, he played 49 matches; and in 2023, the figure rose slightly to 63. Yet in 2024, the 37-year-old played just 46 matches, marking one of the lowest totals of his career. The only season with fewer matches was 2017, when an injury forced him to end his year early after playing 40 matches.

Despite this trend, Djokovic signaled an intention to participate in more tournaments in 2024. He entered the ATP 250 event in Brisbane and the ATP 500 tournament in Doha, but despite signing up for these events, his match play did not significantly increase. Djokovic’s performance on the court has not been as dominant as in previous seasons, and since he lost more matches than usual, the number of overall matches played remained relatively low. As of now, the Serbian has only completed 11 matches in 2024.

A Vicious Cycle?

According to Heinz Günthardt, this reduced playing schedule could be part of a dangerous cycle for Djokovic. Günthardt, who coached Steffi Graf during her peak years and experienced firsthand the demands of working with one of tennis’ all-time greats, warned that the lack of match play might impact Djokovic’s reflexes, confidence, and rhythm.

“Playing so little becomes a real handicap. Confidence and reflexes also come from the rhythm of matches. And in top-level tennis, a few centimeters of delay can change everything,” Günthardt told the Swiss publication Blick. These small margins are crucial in high-level tennis, and the less Djokovic plays, the more difficult it becomes to maintain that razor-thin edge that separates champions from contenders.

The Aging Process and Margins in Tennis

The inevitability of age is another factor that contributes to Djokovic’s current struggles. Tennis is a sport defined by margins. A slight dip in reflexes or timing can drastically change the outcome of a match. With Djokovic now 37 years old, he may start losing these fine margins that once made him unbeatable.

Günthardt, who worked with Steffi Graf from 1992 to 1999, understands that as players age, the smallest of delays or missteps can have a more pronounced effect on their game. “Everything, starting from the practice, becomes different,” he noted, reflecting on his experience with Graf, who, despite her legendary status, faced challenges as she entered the final stages of her illustrious career. As the body ages, these small imperfections, once negligible, can be the difference between winning and losing.

Can Djokovic Overcome the Challenge?

While Djokovic has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve his game over the years, the increasing lack of match play presents a challenge he must confront head-on. He has long been known for his mental toughness and resilience, so it’s not yet clear how much of an impact this reduced playing schedule will have on his career moving forward. Djokovic’s ability to win Grand Slams and remain competitive against younger players will depend on how well he can manage his fitness, schedule, and match play.

The current lack of playing time is undoubtedly a significant obstacle. However, Djokovic’s experience and mental fortitude make it too early to count him out. The Serbian will need to find ways to balance his physical condition with a strategic playing schedule if he hopes to continue competing at the highest level.

Novak Djokovic’s reduced playing time, which has become more pronounced in recent years, is an issue that could become a serious disadvantage as he continues to age. Heinz Günthardt’s insights serve as a reminder that, in tennis, even the slightest delay in reflexes or confidence can impact a player’s ability to perform. Djokovic’s struggle to maintain his rhythm could eventually affect his success, but given his exceptional resilience, it remains to be seen whether the Serbian legend can adapt and continue his pursuit of tennis greatness.