Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a historic twenty fifth Main title within the season when he turns 39.
Nonetheless, not everyone seems to be satisfied the ultimate milestone remains to be inside attain for the best participant of all time.
Novak Djokovic on falling on match level in opposition to Cobolli at Wimbledon
“It got here at an ungainly second. One way or the other I managed to discover a good serve & shut it out. Clearly I'm gonna go to this topic now with my physio. Hopefully all might be effectively in 2 days”
pic.twitter.com/Yfp63SpTrM
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 9, 2025
Former world no. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov has supplied a sober evaluation. The Russian pointed to the brutal bodily calls for of contemporary tennis on the largest stage because the defining impediment.
Whereas absolutely acknowledging Djokovic's place on the high of tennis historical past, Kafelnikov believes the equation adjustments when age enters the dialog, with Djokovic turning 39 in Could.
He faces Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who usually are not solely youthful, however working at peak bodily effectivity at 24 and 22. That offers them a vital benefit within the best-of-five format at Majors.
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
In response to Yevgeny, the problem is much less about ability or expertise, as nobody matches Serb in that discipline. Nonetheless, it's extra about restoration, motion and endurance over two most demanding weeks.
The margin at Majors is unforgiving, and sustained bodily output in opposition to gamers a decade and a half youthful turns into more and more tough, even for the 24-time champion.
Kafelnikov sees Djokovic remaining a significant risk in shorter codecs and common tournaments. Over 5 units, nevertheless, the cumulative pressure favors youth over expertise.
As the brand new season approaches, Novak nonetheless desires about that twenty fifth Main crown. If his physique holds on, the veteran is assured in his skills to problem Sinner and Alcaraz, though he battles in opposition to each them and himself.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Serb is making ready in Dubai. He’ll begin the 2026 marketing campaign within the second week in Adelaide earlier than heading to Melbourne for probably the most profitable event of his profession.
"Actually, I doubt that Novak can win the twenty fifth Main title. He’s the best participant of all time, and nobody ought to query that. Nonetheless, competing in opposition to Carlos and Jannik is hard.
Novak isn’t even 35 anymore, he’ll flip 39 subsequent yr. The physique and metabolism don’t will let you get better shortly sufficient or transfer like a youthful participant.
No one can beat nature, and and being 39-year-old is just too outdated to compete in opposition to a 22-year-old at his bodily peak. Novak can problem them within the best-of-three matches, but it surely's virtually inconceivable within the best-of-five ones," Yevgeny Kafelnikov mentioned.
