Novak Djokovic is one of the best tennis players at this year's Roland Garros but he's not one of the youngest.
Tennis skill is something that Novak Djokovic improved over many years. He's gotten to a place where his level is pretty much among the best at every event he plays but his age is something that is not on his side. One of the most athletic players in the world, Djokovic still isn't immune to ageing.
Nobody is and he's slowly starting to feel it. This year has seen him battle an elbow injury throughout the clay season and it's been something that fans needed to get used to. He talked about his prep for Roland Garros not being ideal and now he expanded by admitting that his body isn't what it used to be, even with all the care that he does.
When I said in English that things weren’t the same as they used to be, I meant the way my body reacts – it’s not as ideal as it was ten years ago. In the past, I used to recover much quicker, now I have more difficulties and more pain, something is always happening on a weekly basis (with the body). It depends on the mental side of things as well, how long will I stay motivated considering that I achieved almost everything in this sport.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody because Djokovic is in that range when players start to experience issues. He's been luckier than most so far with injuries and much of that is the way he goes on about things. Even so, he's not supernatural though a healthy body is essential for him do to well on the court.
I am being completely honest with you guys. I have asked this question also, but it’s not like I think about it all the time. The desire is still there, but things can change quickly – I am 36, I’ve been a pro for 20 years. I don’t like to look at age as a decisive factor, I pay attention to what my general state is like and whether I enjoy it.
History is on the line, and it’s been like that for more than five years now. Almost any tournament there is something like ’oh, now you can achieve this or break this record’. I think I’ve broken a lot of records, but that still pushes me to keep going.
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