Former WTA star Ana Ivanovic has revealed a 2008 conversation with Rafael Nadal that highlights Novak Djokovic’s impressive longevity. While Ivanovic retired almost 7 years ago in Dec 2016 and Nadal is close to retirement than ever before, having missed almost all of 2023 season because of a hip injury, Djokovic at 36 is still sharp and winning most of the big titles.
Ivanovic lauded Djokovic’s remarkable physical form and revealed and recalled an exchange with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who told her in 2008 that he did not know about his tennis life on the ATP tour.
The former World No. 1 was inspired by the fascinating fitness of compatriot Djokovic despite being on the wrong sides of 30. Ivanovic and Djokovic are childhood friends, they started their junior tennis careers at a same time and are both 36 now. The Serbian WTA star retired back in 2016 at an age of 29 but Djokovic is still winning titles and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime sooner.
At the ATP Finals in Turin last week, Djokovic downed World No. 4, Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 to seal a record 7th at the year-end Championships in front of his daughter and son.
The World No. 1 has just recorded one of the finest campaigns of his illustrious career in 2023 as he won seven titles which included 3 out of 4 majors, ATP Finals and two Masters 1000. Djokovic has a 90.2% win rate (55-6) in 2023 season and has clinched four of last 6 Grand Slam titles.
He has now won 12 majors in his 30s and maintains a glittering 12-3 record in majors since turning 30. Only Djokovic’s former rival Roger Federer and Ken Rosewall have bagged a major at an older age than Djokovic who saw off Daniil Medvedev in straight sets at this year’s US Open to claim his 24th crown.
Talking on Alesto Podcast, Ivanovic came up with anecdote about Djokovic’s all-time rival Rafael Nadal that showed how uncertain was Spaniard about her career 15 years ago.’
“I remember Rafa telling me in 2008, ‘I don’t know how long I will last’, and here is Novak, he is fighting. The fact that Novak is so strong and healthy is really fascinating to me, kudos to him,” said the Serbian.
“Definitely, we all mature and age brings its own experiences. He has definitely changed. I think we are all constantly changing. Honestly, we didn’t think it (Djokovic’s success) would last that long.
“What’s really fascinating to me is how he manages to keep his body in good shape and healthy. It’s a hard sport, it has a big impact on the body, we can see it from Roger [Federer] and Rafa.”
Ivanovic during her successful career has won 16 WTA titles and won her only major in the same year her fellow Serbian earned his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open. Both Ivanovic and Nadal were the Roland Garros champions in 2008.
Djokovic will conclude his 2023 season at the Davis Cup last eight knockout stage in Malaga which starts on November 2. Djokovic’s Serbia will face Andy Murray’s Great Britain at the ITF event aka the World Cup of Tennis.
The veteran statesman of the tennis is looking to win a second Davis Cup title for his country, having led Serbia to their only triumph in the team tourney in 2010.