Without Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic Finds It ‘Very Difficult’ To Stay Motivated

Ever since Rafael Nadal retired last year, Novak Djokovic says it’s been “very difficult” for him to stay motivated.

Djokovic, 38, has long called Nadal his biggest rival as he forged a career worthy of GOAT status in men’s tennis.

“For me, it’s been very difficult to stay motivated to compete after his retirement,” Djokovic said, per Puntodebreak.com. “Honestly, I didn’t think it would affect me this way, but I feel like a part of me has gone with him, and it’s been a huge challenge for me to regain the joy on the court and the strength to continue competing.

“When Rafa left tennis, I felt something I’d never experienced before. I thought, ‘What do I do now?’ On the court, I’ve felt discouraged, but luckily, I’ve found other things that inspire me to continue, and after six months, I can say that I feel much better.”

Djokovic – along with fellow “Big Four” members Roger Federer and Andy Murray – were present in Paris on Sunday during a ceremony held in Nadal’s honor on the first day of Roland Garros.

As part of the ceremony, Nadal’s footprint was permanently added to the Philippe Chatrier court. The Spaniard won 14 of his 22 major titles at Roland Garros.

“I can’t describe the emotions I felt,” Nadal said. “I thought it would be for today or for the duration of this year’s tournament, but when they told me it would be forever, I can’t describe the emotions I felt.”

Djokovic remains the only active member of the so-called “Big Four,” and is seeking a record 25th major title at Roland Garros, although he faces a brutal draw.

He did win his 100th career title on Sunday at the Geneva Open, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Federer (103) in that elite group.

Djokovic parted ways with Murray as his coach prior to Roland Garros, with John McEnroe joking he had been waiting for the duo to “start screaming at each other on the sidelines.”

Djokovic’s comments about motivation in the wake of Nadal’s retirement call to mind similar comments McEnroe made after Bjorn Borg suddenly retired at the age of 26 after winning 11 Grand Slams.

“It affected me greatly for the better part of two years, I didn’t perform as well as I’d have liked to,” said McEnroe.

“The dream is always to feel like you’re bringing that game to that max level, where you can do anything and everything at any point.

“I was mentally just waiting for him to come back and push me because I think you’ve seen with the three guys, Roger, Rafa, and Novak, that they made each other better, you have no choice but to get better.

“But I realized at the end of 1983 that he probably wasn’t coming back, and I started to put my head into trying to max out what I hopefully can do.”

McEnroe won three more majors in 1983 and ’84 after Borg called it quits.

Djokovic sits at 24 majors, while Nadal retired with 22 and Federer 20.

Djokovic is still seeking one more to finish with the most all-time.