Djokovic no longer avoids the age factor

“35 is the new 25,” joked Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open this year. “He can go on for a few more years two, three, four…” said his coaches Marian Vajda (they parted ways in 2022) and Goran Ivanisevic even this year hinting at the same thing. Now 36, Djokovic is regularly asked to monitor his fitness, but he no longer shrugs off these questions. Something has changed at Roland-Garros this year.

The Serbian admitted on Saturday that his body feels the wear and tear of a long career, although he feels that there is still fuel left in the tank. Now would be the best time to use it: Djokovic is looking to win a record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open, and his only active rival, Rafael Nadal, is out of this tournament.

“I want to believe I’m ready,” Djokovic said.

“The Grand Slams are my priority, they motivate me the most. The best possible news is that I have no physical problems, knock on wood,” continued the 2016 and 2021 French Open winner, who struggled with his elbow during the clay court season.

Djokovic “calibrated for Grand Slam tournaments”

“When the slam approaches, when I have to prepare and approach it, I feel more comfortable and inspired than at any other tournament. I’m mentally focused on the Slams, they’re a priority right now along with playing in Serbia, and winning a tournament other than a Slam is just an added bonus for me now.

It all started in the English section of the press conference. It was a bit unusual to see Djokovic speak openly and give a long answer about how his body was not the same as before. In the past, when this topic came up, he joked or didn’t go too deep.

“I don’t have any physical issues that worry me. So that’s the main thing for me. You know, I want to feel good coming into a Grand Slam. I mean that’s what happened in Australia this year. To be honest, I played great tennis in Adelaide and I had a good lead, and then I actually got injured in the last few games in Adelaide a little bit and then even more in training the week before Australia. So I had to deal with that injury the whole tournament, which wasn’t pleasant. But you know, I won the tournament, so it was great to win it like that.

“But, you know, hopefully I don’t have to deal with that. But I have to be prepared that eventually things like this can happen more nowadays than before. So part of me is confident and always looking to win the Grand Slams and the biggest titles in this sport , but I also have to be humble to the fact that things are a little bit different, as I feel on the court. month after month, you know. It’s physically harder to hit than before,” he concluded with a smile.

Impact of Nadal’s withdrawal on Djokovic

Nadal’s withdrawal after long months out due to his physical condition also rang a bell in the Serb’s mind. – It made me think about my career and how long I’m going to play. So far, I’m not going to make any announcements today, but just thinking about it, you know, I also felt a little emotional about what he said.

“I felt this was a moment to share because I was surprised by the news that 2024 would be the last year of Nadals career,” admitted Djokovic in Serbian. “It’s true that he’s a year older and that he had more injuries than me, but basically he was the same generation and we spent so many years together on tour.”

I think John McEnroe said he felt a part of him was left with Bjorn Borg when the Swede decided to retire at 26. When I heard the news about Nadal, that Johns quote came to mind for a moment.

Novak Djokovic

He heard an echo of history as he digested the news. “I think John McEnroe said he felt a part of him was left with Bjorn Borg when the Swede decided to retire at 26. When I heard the news about Nadal, that Johns quote came to mind for a second,” said Djokovic before continuing. say, “I’m not going to lie to you and say I didn’t think about retirement and what that would look like, but I’ve still got gas in my tank. We’ll see how long it lasts, I don’t have a date or anything. It depends on how I feel physically. “

Djokovic: “More difficulties and more pain”

He added: “When I said in English that things were not the same as before, I meant that the way my body reacts is not as ideal as it was ten years ago. I used to recover much faster, now I have more difficulties and pains, something always happens weekly (with the body) It also depends on the mental side of things how long I stay motivated considering I have accomplished almost everything in this sport.

In the past, Djokovic often referred to himself as a “wolf hungry for more”, and the question is – how long will that flame continue to burn?

“I’ll be completely honest with you. I’ve asked this question too, but I don’t think about it all the time. The desire is still there, but things can change quickly. I’m 36, been a professional for 20 years. I don’t like to look at age as a deciding factor, I pay attention to, how is my overall condition and am I enjoying it. History is on the line and has been for over five years now. Almost any tournament there’s something like oh now you can achieve this or break this record. I think I’ve broken a lot of records but it forcing me to continue.

New children will come and we will see how long I want to keep pushing

Novak Djokovic

“That’s one of the biggest reasons why I keep playing. At this level, I think you have to set clear goals and have a path that you follow to achieve them. That’s the kind of attitude that got me to where I am now. On the other hand, things change, new kids come in and you get to see how long I want to keep pushing.”

In Paris, Djokovic has a chance to win his 23rd Slam title, which would put him one trophy ahead of Nadal in the race for most majors. – When I look at the results throughout my career, I have better chances at Wimbledon and the US Open. Nadal is not in Paris this year and that changes things because he prevented me from winning a few more titles here. But I lifted the trophy twice and managed to beat Rafa twice, in 2015 and 2021. I felt really good during the training week. I see players complain that the balls are big and the conditions are slower, it’s slower, but at the moment I’m feeling and playing really well. I hope it stays that way.

In the first round of Roland Garros on Monday, Djokovic will face world number 114 Aleksandar Kovacevic.