Premier WTA Coach Thinks Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic Have a Similar Quality That Brings Them ‘Mental Strength’

In the loudness of grunts and cheers that surround professional tennis, there exists a silent but explosive crescendo as well. A common phenomenon that is being highlighted these days is breaking racquets by athletes. World’s No.1 Novak Djokovic has become synonymous not just with flawless backhands but also with the occasional eruption of his racquet rage. In a recent turn of events, star coach Patrick Mouratoglou laid bare his true thoughts about this.

In a sport like tennis, precision and passion are at the top. So, what does it truly signify when these athletes unleash their frustration on their trusted equipment? Mouratoglou’s detailed statement provides a sneak peek at the mindset of champion athletes. 

Patrick Mouratoglou decodes the racquet rage of Novak Djokovic 

The spotlight often fixates not only on a player’s exceptional shots but also on the emotional outbursts that occasionally punctuate the game. Among these moments, the breaking of racquets has become a subject of fascination and critique. The discussion over this gets serious particularly when it comes to the world’s top-ranked player, Djokovic. Interestingly, Mouratoglou also put his former student, Serena Williams in the same light as Djokovic.

Amid the disapproval from critics and the staunch defense of his fans, Mouratoglou recently offered a nuanced perspective on Djokovic’s racquet-breaking episodes. Contrary to the common perception associating such actions with mental weakness, Mouratoglou offered a fresh way to look at these things. In his words: “When a player breaks a racquet, it doesn’t mean that he’s weak mentally.”

The coach offers a lesser-seen side of the racquet-breaking narrative. He continues, “Novak is a good example. It doesn’t mean he’s giving up at all. And usually when he breaks the racquet, he plays better after.” Mouratoglou seems quite convinced about his idea. According to Mouratoglou, Williams was on a similar track. He said: “Serena was doing that also in the past.” He goes on to reaffirm: “So, I would say that in two cases out of three, breaking the racquet is not mental weakness but it brings mental strength.”

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Mouratoglou explains that for Djokovic, it becomes a channel for releasing built-up anger, which then turns into a positive force that propels him to elevate his performance in subsequent points and games. As per him: “And when he breaks the racquet, he needs to take his anger out or he needs to recruit within himself, anger. But a positive anger that’s going to make him improve his level of play in the next points and games.” But is this enough to put an end to the criticism that Djokovic receives?

Djokovic and the criticism that surrounds him

Djokovic not only wields his racket with precision but also navigates the storm of criticism that follows his every move. Beyond the court, the echoes of disapproval regarding his occasional racquet rage goes louder than for any athlete of his stature.

Critics often sharpen their pens, questioning not just his gameplay but his attitude and perceived arrogance. In the relentless scrutiny that Djokovic faces, every racquet-break becomes a magnifying glass. It especially focuses not only on the act itself but on the broader narrative surrounding his on-court demeanor. 

Is this scrutiny actually warranted, or does it overshadow the nuanced reasons behind his unique approach to channeling frustration? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 

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