Djokovic plans winning run until at least 41

NEW YORK (AP):

THE ASSUMPTION, at least by many, was that Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer would cede the stage by now and make room at the top of men’s tennis for other players to begin accumulating Grand Slam titles.

Well, Federer retired, and Nadal missed nearly all of this season with a hip problem that he expects to end his career after one last hurrah in 2024. Djokovic? He just keeps on going at age 36, dominant as ever.

As of Monday, Djokovic is back at number one on the ATP rankings and the owner of 24 major championships, a record for the Open era and tied with Margaret Court for the most in the history of tennis. Djokovic’s US Open title, which arrived Sunday via a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over Daniil Medvedev, gave him three Slam trophies this season, each by beating a much younger opponent in the final.

Before facing Medvedev, Djokovic was asked whether he finds it unusual that he is still doing what he is doing, against the new generation. The answer, essentially, was “No.” And, frankly, no one else should be shocked by it one bit, either.

“It probably sounds cocky or arrogant, but I’m not really surprised, because I know how much work and dedication and energy I put into trying to be in this position. So I know that I deserve this. I always believe in myself, in my own capabilities, in my skills, in my quality as a tennis player to be able to deliver when it matters,” Djokovic said. “So I’m not really surprised, to be honest with you. Because I feel good. Physically I have been as fit or as prepared, as strong as – I don’t want to say ‘as ever,’ but – I mean, as good as I have been in years and years.”

He went 27-1 at the majors in 2023, losing only in July’s Wimbledon final in five sets against 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz (whom, it should be noted, Djokovic beat in the Cincinnati Masters final last month and just replaced at number one).

In January’s Australian Open final, Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas. In June’s French Open final, he got past Casper Ruud. Both were 24 at the time. Medvedev is 27.

“So ‘age is just a number’ – that phrase is resonating at the moment with me,” Djokovic said. “And I don’t want to even consider leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I’m still at the top of the game.”

A question was put to his coach, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, about whether Djokovic might walk away if he gets a 25th major trophy to surpass Court.

Ivanisevic’s reply: “I don’t think so, no. No, he’s planning to play (at the) Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”

That’s scheduled for 2028, by which time Djokovic will be 41.

There’s no reason right now to think it’s not possible, both because of Djokovic’s focus on physical and mental fitness and because of his insatiable appetite for success.

“If he wins 25, he’s going to think, ‘If I win 25, why not 26?’ It’s always one more, something more,” Ivanisevic said. “He’s taking care of his body. He’s taking care of everything. Every single detail has to be perfect, prepared.”