Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has declared that even Novak Djokovic feels doubt “no matter what” after the great Serbian’s titleless start to the 2024 season. 

The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion does not think Djokovic will be worried about his form given his mindset, while assessing that “the bad days are worse” as players get older.

Djokovic fell to a shock three-set loss to 20-year-old Italian Luca Nardi, who was ranked 123rd at the time, in the third round of the 2024 Indian Wells Open last week.

The world No 1 saw his 33-match winning streak at the Australian Open end with a four-set defeat to eventual champion Jannik Sinner at the 2024 edition of the major in January. The 36-year-old has won the Melbourne Grand Slam a record 11 times and had not tasted defeat at the event since 2018.

Following his early exit in Indian Wells, it was announced last week that Djokovic would not feature at the Miami Open, where main draw play will begin on Wednesday March 20.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Djokovic’s withdrawal from the ATP Masters 1000 event, Navratilova addressed whether the 24-time major winner has shown any signs of vulnerability this year.

“Sinner played a flawless match in Australia and that’s what it takes to beat someone as good as Novak Djokovic,” the former world No 1 said.

“And also after that Novak took six weeks off, and it’s great that he can take that kind of time off, but you have to be rusty a little bit.

“You’re rested but you rusted so you need those matches to get back into the swing of things, and Novak ran into a guy who was really hot that day. What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse.

“You have to have it (doubt) no matter what. Even if you don’t have it, the press reminds you. I wouldn’t worry about it if you have Novak’s mindset, and I’m sure he’s not worried about it at all.”

Djokovic, a six-time Miami Open champion, explained why he is skipping the tournament last week.

“Hi Miami! Unfortunately I won’t be playing the Miami Open this year,” the Serbian wrote on X.

“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world.

“I’m looking fw (forward) competing in MI (Miami) in future!”