Novak Djokovic is the last of the Big 3 who’s active in the professional circuit. Despite his stint with injuries in recent years, the 37-year-old is still at it, pushing for excellence. Despite his contemporaries Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal retiring in the span of two years, the 24-time Grand Slam winner and Olympics Gold medalist is yet to call it a day. However, he might not be able to stretch himself further, according to a former Russian ATP pro.

For the unversed, Djoker has been struggling in finding his form lately. This year was the first time, since 2017, that he failed to win any ATP title owing to injuries. Few months back, during the French Open, he backed out of the event because of a torn medial meniscus in his right knee. He had to undergo a surgery before entering the Wimbledon where he reached the final match but failed to win the trophy against Carlos Alcaraz. The injury was still affecting him during the Paris Olympics but somehow his heroic performance led him to his first Olympic Gold. Sadly, he hasn’t been able to step on the court on most occasions since then. He pulled his name from the Paris Masters in October and also the WTA Finals in Turin last month despite qualifying for the season finale.

Reflecting on Novak’s current battle with his body, former Russian player Nikolay Davydenko shared his unfiltered thoughts. Per the former World No.3, the Serbian is trying way too hard to defy his age with time. Nikolay gave examples of Federer and Nadal who also tried their best to extend their careers while nearing 40. However, they couldn’t do it due to obvious physical limitations. “Nadal wasn’t even 40, and he couldn’t physically fight with professionals from the top 50 at the same level. It’s useless. Federer at 40 tried to prove he was tough. But he didn’t prove anything,” said Davydenko while talking to Matc TV, as reported by Tennis365 on December 7. Roger retired at 41 in 2022 with a Laver Cup appearance. On the other hand, Nadal, 38, said goodbye to the sport in his final match at the Davis Cup last month.

“Djokovic is doing the same thing now, he is trying to show that age is no problem for him. Novak is trying to cheat nature, but he can only do it for a couple of years,” he added. Nikolay made it clear that sportspersons are humans in the end. Which means they have to bow down to their limits and injuries after a certain point in their careers. “We are not robots. The loads are serious, injuries happen. Take any current tennis player – everyone had, has or will have health problems. Everyone finishes their career because of injuries that limit our training,” he added.

Meanwhile, Novak seems to be giving no heed to anything other than his focus on the Australian Open. Probably that’s the reason he’s hired former rival and longtime friend Andy Murray as his coach. This partnership has already received a lot of positive feedback from several tennis legends.

Jimmy Connors praises Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s collaboration

Former World No.1 and American ex-pro Jimmy Connors believes Djokovic having Murray on his side may prove to be beneficial in the Australian Open. In an episode of the Advantage Connors podcast, he revealed the reason for why he thinks so. “I think it enters a comfort zone. You know, that they’ve competed against each other, they know each other’s game, they have spent time together, you know, not only on the court for sure, playing great matches, but maybe also off the court,” he said.

Expanding on his perspective, he added, “there comes a point in time in your later years where, you know, if you feel comfortable and you feel relaxed, that, you know, with the people around you, allows you to go out and to attempt to play your best tennis and give it your all.”

Connors mentioned that Murray will make Novak feel comfortable due to them already knowing each other for a long time. And that this aspect might play a key role in the Serbian’s campaign in Australia. “You know, because, the older you get, you know, it’s tougher to push yourself, you know, to, you know, even though, I mean, you look at Joker, I mean, he does everything, you know, to get himself in prime condition and whatever it takes to be the best,” he said.

Do you think Novak Djokovic will be able to make a solid return and clinch his 25th Major title in Australia? Let us know in the comments below.