Greg Rusedski is a big fan of Novak Djokovic’s longevity as he described the 24-time Grand Slam champion as the greatest athlete warned against writing him off.
The tennis commentator believes the Serbian has the desire to still compete and backed him to recover and return with a vengeance.
Djokovic sustained a meniscus tear in his right knee in a 5-set R4 victory opposite Francisco Cerundolo at the Roland Garros earlier this month.
Djokovic’s Roland Garros campaign ended prematurely as the 37-year-old had to withdraw from the title defense while he was awaited by Norwegian Casper Ruud in the final 8. He then immediately underwent a surgery on his right knee to get fit ahead of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships which will start on July 1.
Djokovic is yet to confirm when he will return to action with the 2024 Olympic Games also around the corner and could be a huge priority for the World #3.
Talking on an episode of the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, Rusedski expressed his full trust in Djokovic’s stronger return from injury setback.
“I’ve had some conversations with his (Djokovic’s) agent and he wants to play a lot longer, he wants to be the Tom Brady of tennis,” said the former World No. 4.
“And a meniscus injury is not serious, it’s just bad luck. And he was starting to play well at the French, I would not discount Novak. If Novak wants to play for another two, three, four years — whatever it is — don’t write him off.
“This is not a serious injury and he’s the most disciplined athlete I’ve ever seen. I think he’s probably the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen in my life, I mean he is that good as a player.
“Yes, this year hasn’t been great for him, but let’s not forget, last year he won three of the four Majors and he was in the finals of Wimbledon. Probably one of the Wimbledon finals where he probably should have won the match, but things just didn’t go his way.
“And everybody’s writing him off because it’s five months he hasn’t played great and he’s got an injury now. I’m not writing him off at all, I think he’s gonna be back with a vengeance.
“I think if the hunger’s there and he still enjoys travelling and he can get the family on the road with him a little bit more, watch out.”