Judd Trump’s remarkable career has been defined by relentless victory, but a curious shift is occurring. The once insatiable hunger that drove him to 30 ranking titles appears to be subtly fading, raising the question: can he recapture his winning form?
It’s been nearly a year since Trump’s last triumph – the 2024 UK Championship. Since then, he’s reached multiple finals and a World Championship semi-final, maintaining his position at the top of the rankings. Yet, for a player of his caliber, this period feels…different.
The possibility of an entirely trophyless 2025 looms, a scenario that might alarm most champions. But Trump’s reaction is surprisingly calm. He admits his motivation isn’t what it once was, a revelation that challenges the conventional narrative of a driven competitor.
“I don’t think I’m quite as motivated as I was back then,” Trump recently confessed. “I’ve won a lot of tournaments, and I still try my best, but it’s not something I lose sleep over. I’m not that kind of person.” This isn’t resignation, but a newfound acceptance.
Several factors have been cited for his recent struggles: a new cue, disrupted practice routines, and formidable opponents. However, a potential decline in motivation may be the most significant. Trump, once a whirlwind of focused energy, seems to be approaching the game with a different perspective.
At the World Championship, despite playing brilliantly, his semi-final loss to Mark Williams lacked the usual sting of defeat. “I’m not really disappointed,” he stated, remarkably composed. “I tried my best…he was too good for me.” This magnanimity, while admirable, felt uncharacteristic of the fiercely competitive Trump of years past.
He acknowledged Williams’ exceptional performance, recognizing a level of play that surpassed his own. “I felt like Mark played unbelievably well,” Trump explained. “I don’t really feel like there’s anyone else that would have beat me the way I was playing.”
This evolving mindset, Trump believes, is a positive change. He suggests he previously placed too much pressure on himself, hindering his performance. “I used to put too much pressure on myself and be so hungry to win that it was backfiring,” he said. “Now I’m a lot more relaxed, I feel like I don’t have a lot left to prove.”
While a relaxed approach can be beneficial, it also carries a risk. As the trophy drought extends, this shift in attitude could be perceived as a weakness. The razor-sharp edge that defined his success might be softening.
Currently competing in the Champion of Champions, Trump remains optimistic. He insists he’s close to a breakthrough, pointing to narrow defeats and strong performances against top players. “I’m not too disappointed with how I’ve played,” he maintains. “As long as I keep putting the work in, there’s enough tournaments to eventually get one.”
Few doubt Trump’s ability to add to his impressive list of achievements. However, overcoming a confluence of challenges – practice limitations, equipment adjustments, fierce competition, and a potentially waning drive – will require a swift and decisive response. The clock is ticking on 2025, and the threat of his longest barren spell in over a decade is very real.
His next challenge is a highly anticipated semi-final clash against world champion Zhao Xintong, a pivotal moment that could reignite the spark or confirm a new chapter in Judd Trump’s extraordinary career.
