Patrick Mouratoglou believes that the real Novak Djokovic has returned after the Serb’s incredible comeback from injury.
The coach of Serena Williams commented on the 14 time grand slam champion’s comeback in a recent interview with L’Equipe as he believes the real Djokovic is back.
“We found the same Novak, like if he came back after a two-year break where he was elsewhere. We found him intact. Like before. He was extremely dominant, he is again,” Mouratoglou stated.
“It confirms the impression we had at the time: his fall was essentially mental. On the court he was not himself, anger lacked, you could not recognise him. Since everything was there again, it does not surprise that he came back so quickly. It’s a story of personality, he is a great champion.”
Since his comeback Djokovic has won four titles which have included two grand slams at Wimbledon and the US Open. As Mouratoglou states the Serb’s comeback has been nothing short of surprising and impressive as he is one of the strongest at being mentally tough in Tennis.
However his comeback should have caution as the three defeats that he has suffered since Wimbledon have been to the younger generation. Losses to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Toronto, Karen Khachanov in the Paris final and Alexander Zverev in the final of the ATP Finals proves that Djokovic still has a long way to go before establishing total dominance.
The key message that should be learned from those three matches is that if you’re aggressive enough and take risks against the Serb mixed with youth and energy, you are likely to end the match the winner. That’s exactly what Tsitsipas, Khachanov and Zverev did as they received their rewards for some brave and fearless tactics.
For now Djokovic can enjoy his dominance and the Australian Open is set up perfectly in what should be an intriguing first grand slam of 2019.
