Andy Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard have both expressed their thoughts on whether Novak Djokovic will clinch another major title as the Serbian returns back from a knee injury setback.
Former World #1 Roddick backed Djokovic to add to his major tally and lauded him as the best grass court player in the world but also warned that father time is undefeated against everyone.
Djokovic holds the men’s record of 24 GS titles as he sits two clear of Rafael Nadal and has racked four more than that of Roger Federer’s 20 major crowns.
The hardcourt maestro secured his most recent major title at the Flushing Meadows in September 2023 which was also his third Grand Slam title of 2023 calendar. Djokovic is yet to reach a final in a rather turbulent 2024 campaign but he found his best tennis of the year at the Roland Garros before pulling out of the tourney because of knee injury.
The 37-year-old tore the medical meniscus in his right knee during his R4 clash against Francisco Cerundolo at the French Open and couldn’t play his quarterfinal bout against Casper Ruud.
He immediately decided for a procedure on the knee and has recovered in no time as he has announced to travel to London to participate at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships that will begin on July 1. The 7-time Wimbledon champion is yet to decide if he will compete at the SW19 lawns.
In an episode of the Tennis Channel Live podcast, Roddick was asked if he thinks Djokovic can still grow his major haul.
“Yeah, if I had to bet on it, I’d say yes,” said the 2003 US Open winner. “Listen, what you’re asking us to predict is health and motivation, right? The game, he can still play.
“His down year, he’s made the semis and the quarters of the first two Slams of the year. That’s good for the rest of us chuckers, right? Those are good results. I think so (Djokovic will win another Slam). I still think he’s the best grass-court player in the world when healthy.
“But, he’s not young anymore. Time is undefeated. He’s certainly given it hell, but when you start having these operations throughout the year, when you come back…
“And there’s no one in front of him, he’s chasing ghosts at this point as far as record books. So just on merit, on game — I think for sure. And bet against the greats at your peril.”
Bouchard, a runner-up at Wimbledon in 2014, also weighed in on whether Djokovic chances to win more at majors.
“I think he can get two more, and I don’t think there’s ever gonna be the lack of motivation because we see that from him right now,” said the Canadian.
“It’s all about the health, if he can be healthy enough to string together those seven matches over two weeks.”