WTA legend Martina Navratilova has suggested that Novak Djokovic can hang on the ATP courts for another 20 years as she highlighted the importance of the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.
Navratilova in enjoying the generational clashes between the Serbian and Spaniard and appreciates the respect the duo have shown for each other. Djokovic, despite being on the wrong side of 30 – turned 36 in May – has shown that he is not going anywhere as he is still the man to beat at an age where many players have already been retired or faded from the scene.
Djokovic clinched a record-extending 24th major when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final of the US Open earlier in September. He has won three of the four majors this season and was almost there to win the fourth if it was not for Carlos Alcaraz who stopped him at the Wimbledon Championships in the five-set historic final.
The World #1 has now won 12 majors since turning 30 and maintains an astonishing 12-3 record at the major finals in 30s.
Djokovic and Alcaraz have split the head-to-head between them at 2-2 and has produced blockbuster clashes like the finals at All England Club and Cincinnati.
Talking to EFE, Navratilova seemed to be in awe of Djokovic who continues to defy the standards of longevity and is setting new rivalries on the tour.
“The question is: ‘How many years does Novak have left?’ Now, it looks like he could play for another 20 years. We’ll see, but it would be better if they were closer in age to see more matches,” said the 18-time Singles Major Champion.
“We have become accustomed to such high standards with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It’s nice to witness the clash of generations, with all the respect they have for each other.
“They are the only ones who can give their best, because in tennis you can be the best in the world, but if you play against a bad opponent, you won’t see good points. These guys give their best, and it’s the same at the WTA. You depend on the excellence of your opponent.”
Djokovic is in action at this week’s Paris Masters where he is a 6-time titlist. The Serbian is due to face Dane Holger Rune in the quarter on Friday. He brushed aside Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in a tough three-set encounter on Thursday.
Djokovic is Happy with 24
Djokovic who has impressed many this year with the sheer dominance at Majors. As another sensational season is about to fold and the claims of Czech-American WTA legend and others, the Serbian has downplayed the expectations from the tennis world.
When quizzed about his ambitions and the new goals at the twilight of his career, here is how he responded:
“I’m happy with 24,” he said at the Paris Masters. I know people are, especially in my country, always saying let’s go 25, 30.
“It’s like, if it was that easy it would be great. I don’t know how it looks but I know how it feels. I sometimes feel like a cat with nine lives, every time I play a Grand Slam I lose one life.
“That’s how much energy you need to spend playing and investing the energy not just physically but emotionally and mentally. Just being fully immersed and involved in that competition and now more so than before.”