Nikola Pilic suggests his former charge Novak Djokovic can continue to compete at the top level in tennis and will float in the top 5 rank for the next two years.
The Croatian also believes that it is not necessary for Djokovic to chase Jimmy Connors record of most tour titles because the level displayed by Serb in his era is unmatchable.
Djokovic concluded another remarkable season by winning seven titles – out of the 12 events he participated – and posted an astonishing 56-7 (88.9%) win record. The 36-year-old has clinched 12 majors in his 30s and holds a 12-3 record in Grand Slam finals after reaching 30.
Only Roger Federer and Ken Rosewall have won a major title at an older age than Djokovic who earned his recent Grand Slam crown in New York. His recent win at the ATP Finals in Turin gave him his 98th ATP singles title which means he will be needing 11 more to equal Connors record of 109 tour titles.
Pilic who trained Djokovic in his junior days in Munich spoke about his old charge’s tennis life. Here is what he told Kurir about the Jimmy Connors record.
“That record is not that important to me, it’s not something fun for me. I know Connors and beat him once in Philly, but he’s won 90% of his titles in the 250 series in America,” the six-time ATP titlist asserted.
“The level of tennis then and today is not at all comparable. Tennis is much different, times have changed, but what speaks volumes is that Novak is the best in all six categories that count, and that’s what you see, the numbers say it all.”
The former French Open finalist also believes his now-a-legend-pupil, Djokovic will maintain his level for the next couple of years.
“It depends on his health condition, but in my opinion, if Djokovic is not injured, he has two more years of playing at the top level. If there are no injuries, he has two more years of playing among the top five tennis players,” assessed Pilic.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s second or fourth, it’s important that he’s there. Knowing him and his professionalism and desire, it is very likely that there will be more than two, but I repeat, only Novak can know and only he can decide how long he will play.”
Djokovic 2023 season had a sour ending after under his leadership Serbia was knocked out of the last four at year-end Finals in Turin. The World No. 1 was defeated by ATP #4 Jannik Sinner in three sets as he squandered three of match points to give away the match. The result was not changed when Djokovic alongside Miomir Kecmanovic lost their doubles rubber to duo of Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego. Serbia has won only one Davis Cup title in the history under the 24-time Grand Slam champion in 2010.