The things that a person is capable of doing in their twenties become much harder to execute in their thirties. Irrespective of how fit one stays, age always catches up, and the young eventually go on to replace the old. According to Boris Becker, who coached 22-time singles Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic for three years, something similar is happening to the Serb. Djokovic has been at the top of men’s tennis for a long time. However, recently, he lost against a young and prodigious talent. Becker saw the match closely, and Djokovic’s performance, particularly after its mid-way point, worried him.

In a recent interview with Eurosport, Becker assessed Djokovic’s chances of capturing the 2023 French Open crown. Becker sounded positive almost throughout the entirety of the interview. However, there was one moment that served as a reminder that Djokovic isn’t getting any younger.

Novak Djokovic suffered the limitations of his age at the Italian Open, claims Boris Becker

Djokovic went into the 2023 Italian Open as the top contender, having won the tournament in 2022. However, in the quarterfinal stage, the experienced Djokovic faced 20-year-old Holger Rune. It didn’t end well for Djokovic. Ultimately, Roger Federer fanboy Rune proved to everyone why he’s so highly regarded despite only being 20 years old.

Boris Becker coached Djokovic from 2013 to 2016. It was one of the most successful periods in the Serb’s pro tennis career. He watched Djokovic’s encounter with Rune in Rome quite closely. In his Eurosport interview, Becker said, “I also saw the quarter-finals against Rune in Rome, where the young Dane was just physically stronger at some point”.

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Pure B**S*T Fandom Speculation’ – Andy Roddick Weighs in on a Highly Probable Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Emotional Reunion at Laver Cup

April 24, 2024 11:01 AM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend

April 23, 2024 06:48 AM EDT

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The German tennis legend also added, “This has to do with the fact that at the age of 36, logically explained as a human being, you can no longer always reach the physical limit as a 21-year-old or a 25-year-old can.”

‘He Was Always There’ – Emotional Novak Djokovic Sheds Light on the Importance of Ex-Coach Boris Becker in His Life

But what exactly happened at the Italian Open that lead to a monumental win for the young prospect?

What happened in Rome and why should it worry Djokovic ahead of 2023 French Open?

At the 2023 Italian Open, Djokovic seemed frustrated from the moment he took to the court. Initially, Djokovic complained about the poor playing conditions. Then there was that incident involving Briton Cameron Norrie in the round of 16. Even in his quarterfinal defeat at the hands of Rune, Djokovic lashed out at the chair umpire.

The match itself was quite tight up until the second set. Rune won the first set 6-2, but Djokovic served up some sumptuous tennis to win the second set 6-4. However, the difference in their ages showed during the third set. Djokovic, despite his wealth of experience, simply ran out of steam as Rune kept pushing. Eventually, Rune dominated the set and won it 6-2. At the 2023 French Open, Djokovic may run into the brilliant young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz owing to their placement in the same half of the tournament’s draw. This is something that may just give Djokovic some stress ahead of the tournament.

Watch This Story: Novak Djokovic’s Ex-Coach Reveals Mysterious Similarities Between the Serb and Roger Federer