“That’s another 12 opportunities for more Grand Slam titles,” Former World No.4 explains how Novak Djokovic can easily play for 2-3 more years
Tim Henman discusses the endurance and athleticism of Novak Djokovic.
Follow Us
Tim Henman, Novak Djokovic
Former British World No.4 Tim Henman has given his views on the endurance and future of the 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. By beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Australian Open 2023 in straight sets: 6-3, 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-5) on Sunday, Djokovic has returned back to world No.1 in rankings along with breaking numerous records.
As explained by Henman, Djokovic has the ability to continue strong at the top considering the flexibility of the Serbian even at 35 years of age. This means that he has at least two to three years left in him. As Henman quoted, “His run can keep on goingThere’s the mental side of that challenge, still putting in the work and commitment to travel and train. We’ve seen the physical side“
“With others at older ages, there are more injuries – but with Novak, yes, he had an earlier injury, but you see the way he’s moving and his flexibility shows that he could go on for another two or three years at the highest level. That’s another 12 opportunities for more Grand Slam titles.“
Similar to Henman, many other tennis pundits and players have also shared the same views on the Serbian. Nick Kyrgios has tweeted stating that the Serbian can go on to win at least 28 Slams looking at the way he is competing now. Currently, the spot for the most number of majors won is shared between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic with 22 Grand Slams each. (Source: Eurosport)
Also Read: List of records broken by Novak Djokovic after winning the 2023 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joins Rafael Nadal’s club of 22 Grand Slams
The Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic has tied up with Rafael Nadal for the most number of Grand Slams for the second time. The last time Djokovic touched this was after the Wimbledon 2021 triumph. Then the equation looked like 20 Grand Slams each for all members of the Big 3 including Roger Federer. Following the loss to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open 2021 finals, Djokovic had to wait for exactly a year to clinch his 21st Grand Slam in Wimbledon 2022.
Rafael Nadal meanwhile won 2 Grand Slams in 2022. With the deportation saga ruling out the Serbian from the Australian Open 2022, Rafael Nadal went on to win the title and beat the 3-way tie for the most Grand Slams won. He backed up the record with his record 14th title in Roland Garros. The quarter-final against Novak Djokovic in that tournament was literally a battle for the “GOAT” and the Spanish was able to win it in 4 sets.
The coming French Open will be the first Grand Slam ever where both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will compete with the same number of majors won. It would have happened back in the US Open 2021 itself but Rafael Nadal didn’t compete then due to a foot injury.
In case you missed it!
Stay Updated!
Vipul Payattuparambil
(552 Articles Published)