UNSURE? Novak Djokovic uses the ‘F bomb’ at practice and then loses to unsung Arnaldi

There is a new reality about Novak Djokovic, using the ‘F’ word at practice and also losing matches to unknown players. On Thursday, at practice before the Madrid Open, the winner of 24 Grand Slam titles was in seething rage as his session did not go according to plan. Watched by coach And Murray, it was a crazy sight as  Novak let fly the F bomb. He said ‘f.. k’ this sport, ‘f..k’ tennis and ‘f..k’ everything. Most thought this had been cooked up, but the microphones near the practice court had picked up the F bomb, even as old timers were aghast the gentleman in men’s tennis could be so mad.

Some sad, it could be a rub-off effect, working with Andy, someone who used to let fly verbal volleys during his peak tennis days as a player. Still, those who believe Novak is not the one to lose his cool took this as a sign of frustration. There are some days when a tennis player does not get his act right at practice. If that be a sign of things going wrong, what happened with Novak against Matteo Arnaldi, losing in straight set at the Madid Open on Saturday, was shocking. Sounds unbelievable, bizarre, Novak is winless on clay and will still attempt to do well at the French Open, the season’s second Grand Slam. For the record, the 37-year-old champion’s quest for a 1000^th career title on the ATP Tour also stays unfulfilled.

Tennis fans have associated consistency with Novak. Yet, what unfolded in the Madrid Open was strange, where the Serbian old pro came up with 32 unforced errors against 21 winners. This kind of crazy ratio is a signal his game is not falling in place. “My expectations were not big at all. To be honest, I was hoping can play one more match than I played in Monte Carlo,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

And then came an acceptance of how Novak is struggling. “Kind of new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament. But that’s, I guess, the circle of life and the career; eventually it was going to happen,” What came as a surprise was Novak Djkovic admitting this could be his last appearance at the Madrid Open.

To be sure, Novak has faced tough time with fitness, injuries  and form in 2025. He has been talking a lot, sometimes on how long he could be there, as well as how he wants to do well at the Grand Slams. At the same time, he has also said he will keep trying, though tennis is not becoming easier.

At a time when Carlos Alcaraz is there off and on and still tries to find the right balance between fitness and form, the return of Jannik Sinner is also on the cards, after the three-month dope ban ended. The biggest problem for Novak is, not these big gun but losing to a lesser known competitor like Arnaldi. The die-hard fans will still want to see Novak do well in the 205 season with age not on his side. The way he has been struggling with injuries, it is comparable with what Rafel Nadal and Roger Federer also faced in their careers. Moments of truth or harsh reality, Novak knows he has to train even harder. Injuries were never a problem, but know they are. When he suffered a major health issue injury at the Australian Open this year, people doubted it.

It turned out to be a muscle tear in his left hamstring sustained while defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final on January 21. Novak attempted playing in pain against Alexander Zverev later in the semis before crying out in pain. Given his poor dalliance with fans at the Australian Open, Novak suffered more due to their apathy. And then, he had to put out his MRI scan report on social media. It was very unlike Novak to do this. But then, even getting abusive at practice has never been Novak’s behavioural pattern.

To be away from tennis for two months and return, Novak is still struggling. Is it form, is it lack of touch or is it doubts, nothing is clear. Nothing is certain about him like before, while it used to be a 100 per cent before. Can his career, defined by grace and poise pick up or will he walk away like many more champions is the fear.

Federer had knee issues while Nadal had become synonymous with breakdowns with every part of his body. It was due to wear and tear. Novak had been fine till last year, when he did not win a Major but clinched gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Can Novak turn things around or collapse further, predictions would be improper. What the world of tennis is waiting for is to see him peak again at the Grand Slams. He says, that is his goal, but will his body cooperate?