Novak Djokovic’s unexpected loss to a 19-year-old opponent at the Miami Open final has sent shockwaves throughout the tennis world, and the Serbian tennis legend has opened up about the surprising reasons behind his defeat. Djokovic, who was aiming for his 100th ATP title, fell short in an intense match, and the aftermath of the loss has been dominated by his shocking revelation. In a candid statement, Djokovic placed part of the blame on football icon Lionel Messi, citing him as a key factor in his unexpected performance during the match.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I believe Messi’s absence was a big reason for my loss,” Djokovic admitted during a post-match interview. His comments, which immediately raised eyebrows, were later elaborated on in a series of social media posts. According to Djokovic, his mind had been distracted during the match, and he felt the pressure of the looming Champions League clash between Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain and another top European club.

“Messi is one of my idols, and not seeing him on the pitch affected me more than I thought it would,” Djokovic revealed. “I know it sounds strange, but sometimes, athletes in other sports can have a subconscious effect on each other. I kept thinking about that game, about what Messi was doing, and it took a toll on my mental focus during my match.”

Djokovic’s reasoning, though unorthodox, has sparked a flurry of debate within the tennis community. Some fans are sympathetic, understanding how easily external distractions can throw an athlete off course during a high-pressure match. Others, however, are critical, questioning whether attributing the defeat to something as seemingly irrelevant as Messi’s absence was a way for Djokovic to avoid acknowledging the true reasons behind his loss. Many believe that the 19-year-old opponent, who stunned the tennis world with his performance, simply outplayed Djokovic on the day.

The loss, which many had expected Djokovic to win comfortably, is especially significant as it marked his missed opportunity to secure his 100th ATP title—a milestone that would have cemented his place in tennis history. Djokovic’s admission has also fueled speculation about the mental state of the 36-year-old tennis star. While he remains one of the top players in the world, some wonder if the pressure of achieving historic milestones is starting to weigh on him.

Djokovic’s loss in Miami has also drawn attention to the rise of younger, emerging stars in the tennis world. The 19-year-old who defeated Djokovic in the final is now being hailed as the future of the sport. His victory not only took down one of the sport’s greatest legends but also highlighted the changing dynamics of the ATP Tour.

In the days following his defeat, Djokovic has faced intense scrutiny from both fans and the media. His explanation involving Messi has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans defending him, while others suggest that the excuse might be an attempt to shift the blame away from his performance on the court.

As Djokovic now sets his sights on future tournaments, his comments will continue to be a topic of conversation. Will this defeat become a stepping stone for the young challenger, or will Djokovic bounce back and reclaim his spot at the top? Only time will tell, but for now, the tennis world is left with more questions than answers about the true reasons behind his shocking loss.