Novak Djokovic has been warned by former tennis star Nikolay Davydenko that he may be repeating the same mistake that both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal made in their careers. As the Serbian continues to push the limits of his physical abilities in an attempt to outlast his rivals, Davydenko suggests that trying to “cheat nature” and prolong his career may be ultimately futile.
While Djokovic has already surpassed Federer and Nadal in terms of Grand Slam titles, with 24 Majors under his belt, he now seems determined to extend his career and reach milestones previously set by his legendary counterparts. Federer retired at 41, and Nadal, who struggled physically, was unable to maintain his competitive level past his 30s, retiring before reaching that age. Davydenko believes Djokovic, too, may struggle with the physical demands as he ages, emphasizing that players can only defy the natural course for so long before injuries and fatigue catch up.
“It’s useless,” Davydenko commented on Djokovic’s bid for longevity. “Federer tried to prove he could play at 40, but he didn’t really prove anything. Djokovic is doing the same now, trying to show that age doesn’t affect him, but this can only last for a couple of years.”
Despite Davydenko’s concerns, Djokovic has made a bold move to refresh his team by recruiting Andy Murray as a coach for the upcoming season. The partnership aims to provide Djokovic with renewed motivation and strategic insight as he competes against a new generation of stars, such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Murray, a former rival, is familiar with Djokovic’s game and brings valuable experience in navigating the challenges of the ATP tour.
As Djokovic heads into the 2025 season with Murray by his side, the pressure to maintain his physical peak and prove his continued relevance among the sport’s best remains high. The coming months will determine whether his efforts to defy the odds and extend his career can yield the success he hopes for, or if Davydenko’s warning about the limits of age and injury holds true.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW At the moment ranked no.7, Djokovic played his last match on the 13th of October when he lost to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (draw).
At the moment, during this season Novak has a composed 37-9 win-loss record. Novak has won 1 title in Paris. The Serbian was the runner-up in Wimbledon and Shanghai.
He is also scheduled to play in Brisbane (Brisbane International) on the 1st of January and () on the 13th of January.
Novak Djokovic |
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