At 39 years previous, Novak Djokovic remains to be out right here going toe-to-toe with the very best — and far youthful — gamers on this planet.
On the Australian Open he beat Jannik Sinner in 5 units within the semifinals earlier than shedding to Carlos Alcaraz. On the French Open he misplaced a five-set thriller to Joao Fonseca within the third spherical. At Wimbledon he survived a five-hour and 15-minute quarterfinal marathon towards Felix Auger-Aliassime on Tuesday, prevailing 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4).
“Sure and no,” the Serb mentioned throughout his post-match press convention when requested if these sorts of outcomes shock him. “I suppose sure, at this stage that I’m nonetheless capable of battle these younger guys which have 15 years lower than me, that I’m capable of beat them on the tightest attainable scoreline.
“In a way, it’s actually a pleasant shock. However on the identical time, I all the time have the best expectations for myself. I could be very self-critical, very onerous on myself. (However) I attempt to additionally benefit from the moments like this. I don’t know what tomorrow brings…. I’m nonetheless within the match. I nonetheless wish to go not less than yet another step additional. However this was pretty much as good as a ultimate for me.”
In fact, it wasn’t the ultimate. Djokovic nonetheless has to win yet another match merely to achieve the championship match and two extra victories are required if he needs to win a twenty fifth Grand Slam title. Up subsequent for the seventh seed on Friday is one other showdown towards Sinner.
“I had a really lengthy semis towards Sinner (in Australia),” Djokovic mirrored. “This [time I played a long match in the] quarters; now I’ve to play Sinner in semis. There’s (a) distinction, and (a) distinction within the floor. Clearly that was the primary large match of the 12 months for me, coming more energizing from a number of months of break and preparation. It’s a bit totally different now.
“However nonetheless, (it’s) one other nice, historic run for me at [a Grand Slam]. That is what counts probably the most, actually. I nonetheless attempt to show to myself and others that I’m capable of compete with the very best gamers on this planet and beat them within the greatest stage. That’s what I’ve achieved in Australia. It’s what I’ve achieved right here. Hopefully I can do it few extra matches right here in London.”
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You possibly can observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
