Former world No. 4 James Blake believes that Novak Djokovic, regardless of a difficult 2024 season, stays a formidable contender for Grand Slam titles properly into his 40s if he continues to own the mandatory drive and willpower.
Djokovic, who turned 37 this 12 months, had a uncommon ‘majorless’ season in 2024, failing so as to add to his document whole of 24 Grand Slam titles. His 12 months included a semi-final look on the Australian Open, a quarter-final exit at Roland Garros resulting from damage, a runner-up end at Wimbledon, and a third-round loss on the US Open. Nevertheless, he did safe a major victory by claiming Olympic gold in August, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight units on the Paris Olympics.
Blake, a 10-time ATP Tour titlist, expressed in an interview with Sport Klub that Djokovic’s future within the sport hinges on his private motivation. Regardless of his age, Blake is assured that Djokovic can stay a prime contender if he maintains his ardour for the sport.
“All the pieces depends upon Novak. Bodily, he’s nonetheless impeccably match. Now the one query is whether or not he needs to,” stated Blake. “He has achieved and received every part on this sport. He nonetheless has that fireplace when he wakes up. Does he nonetheless wish to sacrifice every part to proceed to be the perfect?”
Blake emphasised that Djokovic’s degree of tennis stays exceptional even at 37. He famous, “If he needs to, he actually has, I received’t prejudge, however one or two good years. His degree of tennis is unimaginable even at 37 years previous. The query just isn’t whether or not he can, however whether or not he needs to. If he needs to, he might be a candidate for Grand Slam titles by the point he’s 40.”
Reflecting on Djokovic’s and Alcaraz’s sudden early exits on the 2024 US Open, Blake admitted shock but additionally provided a rationale. “In fact I used to be stunned within the first second, since you at all times anticipate them to go to the very finish,” he stated. “Nevertheless, when you take a look at the information objectively, they did rather a lot within the earlier interval. Each had been within the finals of Wimbledon and the Olympic Video games.”
Blake prompt that the bodily calls for of the season, mixed with the psychological toll of their current successes, might have contributed to their early exits. “Alcaraz additionally received Roland Garros. Novak achieved his largest objective, he reached the Olympic gold. They used quite a lot of vitality. I believe that the larger drawback was psychological than bodily preparation.”
As Djokovic prepares for the upcoming season, the tennis world might be watching intently to see if the Serbian legend’s starvation and resilience will drive him to extra Grand Slam victories.