Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is widely regarded as one of tennis’s greatest players. At 38 years old, Djokovic is in the later part of his career, but he continues to demonstrate remarkable competitiveness. Recently, he secured his 100th ATP title and reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, sustaining his status among tennis elites.
Former world number one John McEnroe expressed admiration for Djokovic’s enduring excellence, likening him to NBA legend LeBron James in terms of longevity and impact within his sport. Speaking to Corriere Della Sera, McEnroe said,
“I can’t help but admire him: with friends, I call him the LeBron of tennis,”
highlighting Djokovic’s rare ability to stay at the top despite advancing age.
McEnroe noted the challenges Djokovic faces keeping pace with younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but emphasized that Djokovic’s wealth of experience is his greatest strength. He said Djokovic remains a
“prodigy, a man that science must study,”
underscoring his unique resilience and skill.
Insights on Djokovic’s Competitive Edge and Challenges
McEnroe detailed how Alexander Zverev adopted a defensive approach against Djokovic but eventually succumbed, while Sinner offers a dynamic display of power and speed that few can match. Though Djokovic struggles physically against these emerging talents, his tactical mastery and determination keep him competitive.
He questioned why Djokovic would consider retiring while still so driven, saying,
“Why should Novak stop, if he is still so competitive at 38? It leaves me speechless. The others come out in pieces from the comparison with those two young phenomena.”
On Zverev’s struggles, McEnroe observed,
“Look at Zverev: he has never recovered from the lesson taught to him by Sinner in Australia… A great athlete, overwhelmed by the best of the best. But Djokovic doesn’t, he always rises again.”
This highlights Djokovic’s unparalleled capacity for comeback and adaptation.
The Possibility of Djokovic Adding More Grand Slam Titles
Djokovic holds the Open Era record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles, but he has not added to that tally since winning the 2023 US Open over a year ago. Many see Wimbledon as his prime opportunity to claim a 25th major, following runner-up finishes to Carlos Alcaraz in both 2023 and 2024.
Winning Wimbledon would not only extend Djokovic’s record but also cement his status as the oldest Grand Slam singles champion at 38. This accomplishment would further emphasize his longevity and exceptional place in tennis history.
Djokovic has chosen not to participate in any ATP grass court events before Wimbledon, focusing his preparation solely on the grand tournament, which is set to begin on June 30.
Enduring Legacy and the Road Ahead for Djokovic
John McEnroe’s comparison of Djokovic to LeBron James captures the Serbian’s exceptional career longevity and continuous dominance despite physical challenges and younger competitors. Djokovic’s persistence at 38 years old challenges conventional expectations about athletic decline and serves as an inspiring benchmark in both tennis and sports broadly.
As Djokovic prepares for Wimbledon, his performance will be closely watched as a potential milestone in sports longevity and elite competition. This moment will likely influence how future generations view career durability and persistence at the highest levels of professional tennis.