Watch: Foul-mouthed Novak Djokovic training footage as he says: “F*** this sport, f*** tennis, f*** everything”
Novak Djokovic is preparing to play his first match at the Madrid Open since 2022, but he doesn’t seem to have enjoyed his practice sessions in the Spanish capital.
Djokovic has arrived in Madrid with Andy Murray returning as part of his coaching team after he was absent from Djokovic’s one and only match at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he lost against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.
Murray’s presence in Madrid confirms Djokovic is eager to push for his 100th career title, after he came so close to clinching that moment of history when he reached the final of the Miami Open last month.
Yet he is showing signs of frustration with his levels on the clay courts as he prepares for his opening match against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
That will be a tough match for Djokovic against an opponent who has real potential to give him trouble and it seems the soon-to-be 38-year-old tennis legend is feeling the pressure ahead of his Madrid opener.
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Footage has emerged of Djokovic swearing while working with Murray on the practice courts as he mutters in Serbian: “F*** this sport, f*** tennis, f*** everything.”
Andy Murray rubbing off on Novak Djokovic during his practice session in Madrid:
“F*** this sport, f*** tennis, f*** everything”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 24, 2025
Djokovic’s frustration during his practice session was contrasted by his upbeat comments prior to his first match in Madrid, as he told reporters he was motivated to stay in the sport and challenge for more glory.
“I don’t have many expectations with the result, to be honest, but I’m very excited to play here. I like to play here because I feel the support of the people, a lot of positive energy. I hope to use this to play well,” he stated.
“I’m still trying to stay there and represent the veterans, the previous generation. I hope that has a positive effect on the tournaments and on the tour.
“That is also one of the reasons why I keep playing: I feel that it also helps tennis to thrive thanks to the attention and the public that attends tournaments and is interested.
“If you look at the attendance figures at the Grand Slams and some, like Indian Wells, attendance records have been broken in recent years. It’s good news that it doesn’t depend on the great stars or legends who retire.
“It should be that way, it should be; the sport should outlive everyone, it will outlive everyone, and it’s more important than each individual individually. So we’re all here in the service of a sport.”
Djokovic spoke about his motivation levels when he attended the Laureus Sports Awards on Monday, as he insisted he still has the desire to win more titles.
“If I’m not motivated, I’m not here. I don’t play anymore. I put the racket to rest,” he said.
“I still feel the desire to play, the passion to compete is always there. I hope to push harder. The Grand Slams are tournaments where I have more motivation to do well.
“I’m always optimistic, but I don’t know if I’m one of the favourites because I’m not having very good results this year,” he added.
“The level I’m looking for could come here or at Roland Garros, I hope it will be here.
“I’ve played little here in the last six to seven years, but I missed the Spanish public, because they know the sport well and respect tennis a lot. I have a good feeling and I hope to have a good tournament.”
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