Steve Johnson suspects “financial obligations and commitments” made Novak Djokovic play in Doha because otherwise, he doesn’t see any reason why the Serb would bother himself with playing such an event at this part of the year.

After picking up a hamstring injury at the Australian Open and seeing his bid for a 25th Grand Slam come to an end in a very unfortunate way, the 37-year-old returned to action last week and insisted he was feeling physically fine.

But in his very first match in Doha, the former world No. 1 didn’t look anywhere near his best level as Matteo Berrettini claimed an upset 7-6 (4) 6-2 win.

Later, footage emerged showing Djokovic limping into the Doha airport.

In the past, the Serb would usually conclude his Australian Open and return to action during the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami.

Johnson on Djokovic playing Doha

“I am not sure what Novak’s plan is going forward, nobody knows it but him,” the former four-time ATP champion said on the Nothing Major Podcast.

“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.”

Meanwhile, over the weekend, the Indian Wells organizers confirmed Djokovic for their tournament, which starts on March 5th.

So far in his career, the Serb has won five Indian Wells titles but his last victory there came in 2016.