There isn’t any escaping the truth that age is catching up with Novak Djokovic.
Together with his thirty eighth birthday quick approaching, the proof reveals the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s powers are waning.
However as the lads’s clay-court season begins in Monte Carlo, Djokovic appears to be like in a significantly better place than a fortnight in the past.
Ending runner-up in Miami to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik confirmed that the world quantity 5 shouldn’t be able to roll into retirement but.
“There isn’t any doubt that [motivation] has grow to be harder all through my profession however the performances in Miami give me extra inspiration to maintain going,” Djokovic mentioned.
The Serb veteran is aware of his serve must be potent if he’s going to problem on the upcoming French Open and Wimbledon.
Unable to rely as a lot on physicality towards his youthful opponents, Djokovic desires the accuracy of his opening shot – an underrated a part of his recreation – to assist restrict the baseline rallies.
We noticed the effectiveness in Miami.
Based mostly on precision moderately than energy, he landed 79% of first serves – together with a career-high 87% within the semi-final towards Grigor Dimitrov – and solely confronted seven break factors in his opening 5 matches.
“Now I do know what it is wish to be John Isner,” he joked after beating Dimitrov.
Djokovic has not received a significant because the 2023 US Open and claimed just one title final season – albeit the Olympic gold he had lengthy craved.
That got here on the Roland Garros clay, the place he goals to win a standalone twenty fifth Grand Slam title in June.
His different precedence is changing into solely the third man to say a one hundredth tour-level singles title.
He’ll, nonetheless, have to return via a powerful area in Monte Carlo, with 17 of the highest 20 gamers competing.
Britain’s Jack Draper is considered one of them, with Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz among the many favourites.
