There were concerns about Novak Djokovic’s reaction following a surprise defeat at Indian Wells – and Andrew Castle believes he must ask himself a key question

Novak Djokovic has faced scrutiny for his reaction in a press conference (Image: James D. Morgan/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has been told he has one key question to answer after being criticised for his smiling demeanour following his surprise defeat to Botic van de Zandschlup at Indian Wells last week. The second-round exit was Djokovic’s third consecutive loss after his retirement at the Australian Open and defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Qatar Open, marking his first three-match losing streak for seven years.

In the aftermath, Djokovic cut a cheerful figure at the press conference, leading to concerns from ex-pro CoCo Vandeweghe. “The question arises – is Novak Djokovic getting too used to defeats?” she asked on Tennis Channel. “It’s a strange feeling for a player when he loses a few times like this, and then you see him in the press conference smiling a little too much, and you wonder – is he not as mentally strong as before.” However, BBC presenter and former British No.1 Andrew Castle believes Djokovic must decide whether his current schedule is the best preparation for major tournaments.

“I think Novak is all about the Grand Slams and is all about the record books and the biggest moments ahead rather than anything that has gone on in the past,” Castle explained to Globusbet. “One of the central questions he has to ask himself is what will be his best preparation for the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open?

“He’s won his Olympic Gold last year; that’s another box ticked. How does he get prepared playing in tournaments he is possibly not up for anymore? He’s won them all, and I believe all of the Masters 1000 (tournaments) twice. That’s ridiculous.”

Djokovic holds the record for most ATP Masters 1000 titles (40), including seven previous triumphs at Indian Wells. While the 37-year-old has continuously rewritten the record books, he has undoubtedly entered the twilight of his career. Castle argues that Djokovic’s addition of recently retired Andy Murray to his coaching team demonstrates his drive to compete with the sport’s new crop of stars.

Andrew Castle believes the appointment of Andy Murray is a positive sign for Novak Djokovic (Image: Getty)

“He is the best player I have ever seen, male or female in any generation,” Castle admitted. “I have never seen anything like it. I thought Novak taking on Andy Murray was really good because it shows that he still cares.

“It means he feels he still has an edge to gain and it’s very obvious to everyone watching that there are three or maybe four players now who are probably capable of beating him who wouldn’t four or five years ago. That’s a cool thing to watch in how he responds to that. You need to play matches so has Novak still got the fire? There’s a couple of questions there.”

The world no. 5 will next play at the Miami Open on Friday, March 21. Djokovic will strive to end his losing streak and win the tournament for a record seventh time.