Novak Djokovic
| Photograph Credit score: Getty Photos
Novak Djokovic has no plans to hold up his racket any time quickly and is hoping he would possibly be capable to emulate American soccer nice Tom Brady by extending his profession effectively previous his fortieth birthday, the 36-year-old Serbian stated on December 27.
Quarterback Brady performed 23 seasons within the Nationwide Soccer League, successful seven Tremendous Bowls with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier than lastly calling it quits on the age of 45 earlier this yr.
World primary Djokovic, who’s making ready for the beginning of his twenty second season as an expert by taking part in an exhibition match towards Carlos Alcaraz in Riyadh on December 28, stated he had already realized a lot from Brady.
“Tom Brady is a good instance of a champion in his sport and somebody that has had such a fantastic profession and longevity,” the 24-times Grand Slam champion instructed reporters within the Saudi capital.
“He has put quite a lot of hours and quite a lot of time into self-care, into restoration, into ensuring that in a method each side of his physique and thoughts is roofed in order that he can have a long-lasting, profitable profession.”
“I do know him personally and I realized so much from him, from his instance, and hopefully I can have a profession that goes as much as 40 or possibly even past – let’s examine.”
Brady was in Djokovic’s field at Roland Garros in June to look at his good friend win the French Open, one in all three Grand Slam trophies the Serbian captured in 2023 together with the Australian and U.S. Open titles.
“I really feel nice in my very own physique proper now and I have been taking part in some actually high-quality tennis,” Djokovic added.
“2023 was the most effective seasons I’ve had in my life and why cease whilst you’re nonetheless taking part in nice? So I will maintain going and take (every) yr, one after the other, and see how far I’m going.”
Alcaraz beat the Serbian in a five-set thriller to win this yr’s different Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and Djokovic welcomed the rise of the 20-year-old Spaniard, particularly as Mr. Roger Federer has retired and Rafa Nadal is coming into his final season.
“Our period is coming to an finish, however you’ve got Alcaraz rising which is nice, and I used to be very blissful that I had 4 superb matches with him this yr,” Djokovic stated.
“Every match attracted quite a lot of consideration, we had quite a lot of nice highlights and it is good, it is good for our sport.”
Djokovic will make his remaining preparations for a tilt at an eleventh Australian Open title by representing his nation within the United Cup in Perth and Sydney within the first week of the brand new yr.
