After losing the match to Berrettini in straight sets, Djokovic claimed he was pain free and paid full credit to his opponent.

However, concerns were raised once again when Djokovic was seen limping at the airport in the Qatari capital.

Stevie Johnson notices a change in Novak Djokovic at the Qatar Open

Djokovic’s performance in Doha have split opinion, with the Serbian still seeking a historic 100th career title.

When speaking on the Nothing Major Podcast, Steve Johnson admitted that Djokovic’s decision to play at the Qatar Open somewhat confused him, as he questioned the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s motivation at these events.

“I am not sure what Novak’s plan is going forward, nobody knows it but him,” said Johnson. “I don’t know why he is playing this tournament just in general. It feels like he just wants to win slams to continue his legacy and stamp as the greatest champion of the sport we have ever seen.

“There is obviously financial obligations and commitments he has made in the past, we don’t know exactly what it takes for him to play these types of events. It just feels as if he is not as motivated to win in Dubai or Doha than he is to win a Slam which is rightfully so, because that’s the only thing which can further his legacy.

“Good to see him out there playing, I thought we weren’t going to see him until Indian Wells and just play some of the Masters series to win the French [Open], win Wimby [Wimbledon]. SO interesting to see him out there.

“It sometimes feels that he is a bit flat emotionally, which has usually never been the case for him. So he has earned the right to play whatever schedule he deserves and wants to do. It’s a tough draw going against Berrettini who played really well that match, the serve, the forehand. Everything was going well.

“So it’s just interesting to watch Novak in these events because the Doha title is not going to further his legacy, so I’m not sure his emotional investment.”

Despite Johnson’s claims, Djokovic suggested that his motivation is still high after admitting his feelings prior to the tournament getting underway in Doha.

What is next for Novak Djokovic?

After losing in the first round of the Qatar Open, Djokovic revealed that his next goal was the sunshine double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

Djokovic is a joint record holder for most titles at both Indian Wells and the Miami Open, and has completed the sunshine double more than anyone else in history (four times).

However, the 37-year-old has not won either tournament since 2016 and last year Djokovic was stunned by Luca Nardi after losing in the third round of Indian Wells.

The Miami Open has not been on Djokovic’s radar for a while now, and it will be his first appearance at the tournament since 2019 if he returns this year.

It has also been reported that Djokovic is set to be coached by Andy Murray again at Indian Wells, that begins on Wednesday March 5.