Novak Djokovic told why it is ‘getting harder and harder every week’ despite being the GOAT
Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs has weighed in on Novak Djokovic’s chances of claiming another Grand Slam title after his struggles continued at the 2025 Madrid Open.
Djokovic was upset 6-3, 6-4 by world No 44 Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of the Masters tournament in Madrid.
It was a third successive straight-set loss for the great Serbian, who was beaten by Alejandro Tabilo in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters and Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final in his previous two matches.
This is the second three-match losing streak Djokovic has endured in 2025 after consecutive defeats at the Australian Open, the Qatar Open and the Indian Wells Masters.
The world No 5, who will turn 38 next month, won his 24th and most recent Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open.
Djokovic was a runner-up at Wimbledon last year, while he was a semi-finalist at the last two editions of the Australian Open.
He will attempt to add to his record major tally at the 2025 French Open, which will begin on May 25.
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The former world No 1 won his most recent title in August at Stade Roland Garros — which was the venue for the tennis tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Following Djokovic’s defeat to Arnaldi in Madrid, Stubbs expressed her belief that Djokovic is still capable of winning a Grand Slam, but expressed concern over the Serb’s confidence.
The former doubles world No 1 wrote on X: “Do I think he can still win a Slam, of course! He’s the greatest player of all time BUT it’s getting harder and harder every week because I don’t care who you are, you can’t buy confidence!
“You have to earn it and currently his confidence is getting chipped away at more and more.
“ALSO! Arnaldi played awesome!!! But looking at the match with a fine tooth comb, the way Arnaldi handled the tough moments, like down 0-40 on serve after breaking in the 2nd, he locked down and was the better player and that’s where the shift has happened. It’s not Novak anymore.”
Djokovic will next compete at the Italian Open, which will be held from May 7 to 18. He is a six-time champion in Rome.
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