According to Nikolay Davydenko, Novak Djokovic is trying to cheat nature and extend his career despite turning 38 next year. The Russian is still determining if this plan will work for the Serb, bringing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal into the story.
Novak Djokovic turned 37 in May. The 24-time Major winner completed the game of tennis this season, adding the 15th and last missing puzzle to his GOAT portrait by conquering the Olympic Games gold medal in Paris. Novak slowed down in the remaining months.
The legend withdrew from the ATP Finals and wrapped up the season earlier. However, despite achieving everything, he is eager to make another push in 2025. Novak added Andy Murray to his coaching box, preparing to chase more Major titles.
Davydenko understands Djokovic’s desire to extend his career and play in his 40s, guessing that the legend wants to mirror Roger Federer’s path and compete until turning 41. On the other hand, the Russian highlighted all the challenges that the task brings.
Nikolay ended his career early due to injury. Had he fully recovered and given his body a couple of years to heal, it would have never been the same after reaching certain age. Davydenko brought Federer and Nadal’s examples to the light.
Federer had to terminate his career due to knee issues, while Nadal never looked like a contender for notable titles following a severe hip injury at last year’s Australian Open. These two failed, and Davydenko can not confirm Djokovic will cheat nature and his body.
The Russian highlighted how difficult it is to meet the requirements of modern tennis and bypass frequent injuries. If Novak wants to compete after turning 40, he may reduce his schedule and preserve his body.
Novak’s brilliant 2023 campaign
Djokovic wrote history books in 2023. The Serb reached the final at all four Majors, winning three titles and terminating the GOAT race. Novak turned 36 in May, which was hardly an obstacle for him. The legend wrapped up the year with seven ATP titles.
He kept the young guns behind and finished the season with his seventh ATP Finals crown and the eighth year-end no. 1 honor!
Djokovic’s 2024 results and one ultimate goal
Novak embraced another year-end top-10 season in 2024, becoming the third-oldest player to achieve that. Competing at his fifth Olympic Games at 37, Djokovic threw everything at that event, seeking the elusive gold medal after losing in the semi-final three times.
The Serb could not follow his pace from 2023 at Majors. Jannik Sinner defeated him in the Australian Open semi-final. Djokovic tried to defend the Roland Garros crown but ended up having knee surgery! He passed two five-setters and reached the quarter-final.
However, the legend withdrew from the tournament and underwent surgery on June 5, hoping to recover for Wimbledon and the Olympic Games. Djokovic presented his incredible physical and mental strength, scoring five wins at the All England Club and reaching the final.
Like a year ago, Novak fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash, missing a Major title at 37. Djokovic was pleased with his progress, hoping to go one step further in Paris.
Olympic Games glory
Novak returned to Roland Garros and overcame all the challenges en route to a gold medal! The veteran defeated six rivals in straight sets, earning the missing title and completing the game of tennis. Djokovic lost one game against Matthew Ebden in the first round.
He embraced his 60th and last duel versus Rafael Nadal in round two and earned a 6-1, 6-4 victory. Novak led 6-1, 4-0 and sealed the deal with a late break. The Serb passed Dominik Koepfer and set the quarter-final duel with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Djokovic struggled with pain in his troubled knee and did not look well in the second set. The Serb made one final push and overcame a massive deficit. He fended off set points and sealed the deal in straight sets to preserve energy. Novak met Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-final.
The veteran scored a 6-4, 6-4 victory, passing the semi-final stage at the Olympic Games for the first time. He arranged the title clash against the ‘Channel Slam’ conquerer, Carlos Alcaraz. Two great rivals threw everything at each other in an epic final!
Djokovic prevailed 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 52 minutes, earning a gold medal and becoming the only player with 15 notable trophies on his tally! No one would have found the motivation to push hard for the rest of the season, and Novak was no different.
He slowed down his engines and fell to Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the US Open. Djokovic led Serbia in the Davis Cup and played only one official tournament by the end of the year. The veteran reached the Shanghai Masters final.
Novak fell to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, missing the second notable title of the season. Djokovic traveled to Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam and experienced another defeat to Jannik in the semi-final.
The Serb withdrew from the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, focusing on 2025 and hoping for a good run at Majors.
“Novak is doing the same thing as Roger and Rafa, trying to show that age is not an issue for him. Novak is trying to cheat nature, but we are not robots, and he can only do that for a couple of years. We will see if he succeeds. It takes a serious effort to remain competitive in modern tennis, and we must consider injuries. Players usually finish their careers due to injuries that restrict the training process. Roger ended his career at 41, and Novak probably wants to repeat that. He may reduce his schedule to stay active for a few more years,” Nikolay Davydenko said.
