Novak Djokovic’s return no longer a weapon? Six losses raise questions

Novak Djokovic is 12-6 in 2025, reaching one final and struggling to maintain his A-game and consistency. The 24-time Major winner has experienced six defeats this season, including the Australian Open semi-final retirement. 

Djokovic has won one set in those encounters, and his trademark weapon, the return, has stayed under the radar. We have witnessed cracks in the fundamental element of the legend’s game, as his returns have occasionally lacked the bite needed to apply the pressure on his opponent.

🎾 Novak is looking 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙥 ahead of his return to Brisbane for the first time since 2009 🇦🇺🔙#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/LoAjOtLBQc

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) December 29, 2024

The Serb opened the season in Brisbane and fell to Reilly Opelka 7-6, 6-3. The American served at 77% and produced mind-blowing numbers in his games, dropping 13 points in 11 service games! Djokovic took only 20% of the return points and generated a lone break point. 

Novak retired in the Australian Open semi-final to Alexander Zverev after dropping the opener 7-6. The veteran took only seven points on the return serve, although he performed way below his best due to a leg injury. 

A couple of weeks later, Djokovic faced Matteo Berrettini in the first round in Doha. The Italian earned a 7-6, 6-2 victory following a rock-solid performance. Novak’s return could not make the difference. The Serb grabbed 24% of the return points and wasted all three break points. 

Djokovic suffered another blow in Indian Wells, falling to a lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. This time, the greatest returner of all time took 37% of the return points. However, he turned them into four break points and seized two. 

Djokovic felt the pressure on serve in sets one and three and cracked under it to notch his third consecutive defeat….