In the world of professional tennis, few names stand out as consistently as Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend has redefined the sport with his tenacity, skill, and mental fortitude, becoming one of the greatest players to ever play the game. His journey has been marked by countless triumphs, including numerous Grand Slam titles, but as with all athletes, there are questions about how long one can sustain such excellence. Despite his dominance over the past decade, many have wondered whether Djokovic can continue to win Grand Slams as he enters the later stages of his career.
Recently, former world No. 7 and tennis analyst, **Marcos Baghdatis**, weighed in on the matter, sharing his belief that Djokovic can still win major titles. Baghdatis, who had his own successful career, praised Djokovic’s unique attributes and outlined why he believes the Serbian star is far from done. The statement came amid a period where Djokovic, at 37 years old, is still competing at the highest level, proving that age doesn’t always limit greatness in the sport.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why Djokovic is still a force to be reckoned with in tennis and why his ability to win more Grand Slams is not only possible but likely.
### The Evolution of Djokovic: A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Novak Djokovic’s rise to the top of men’s tennis was anything but inevitable. When he first broke onto the scene in the mid-2000s, the tennis world was dominated by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two legends who had already established their own records and were widely considered the “big two” in tennis. Djokovic, at the time, was seen as a talented but inconsistent player who struggled to compete with the top players during the biggest moments.
However, Djokovic’s relentless work ethic and unyielding desire to improve quickly transformed him into a tennis powerhouse. His rise to the top was not just a result of his physical abilities, but also his mental strength. Over the years, Djokovic redefined his fitness regimen, his mental game, and his adaptability on various surfaces. What made Djokovic different was not only his ability to dominate on hard courts but also his prowess on clay and grass, surfaces that were historically more favorable to Federer and Nadal.
### The Mental Edge: Djokovic’s Unshakable Confidence
One of the most fascinating aspects of Novak Djokovic’s career is his ability to perform under immense pressure. From his first Grand Slam title in 2008 to his record-breaking wins in 2021, Djokovic has been known for his ability to play at an incredibly high level when it matters most. His mental resilience is unmatched, often showing an ability to overcome adversity in matches when others might crumble. This mental fortitude is a big reason why he is still capable of winning big titles, even as he gets older.
Baghdatis, who himself had a strong career but never reached the heights Djokovic has achieved, spoke about this aspect of Djokovic’s game. He noted that Djokovic has always been able to manage the psychological aspects of the game better than many of his peers. While Federer and Nadal also excelled in this area, Djokovic’s mental game is what has often made him the most difficult player to beat in a Grand Slam final.
Where many players falter when the pressure mounts, Djokovic rises to the occasion. His ability to come back from difficult situations—whether down two sets to love or facing match points—has made him one of the most dangerous competitors on tour. And at 37, this mental resilience is just as potent as ever, continuing to separate him from players who may have similar skill sets but lack that same unshakable confidence.
### Fitness and Adaptability: Djokovic’s Physical Conditioning
Age can certainly take a toll on athletes, and tennis is no exception. The rigorous demands of the sport, including long hours on the court, grueling five-set matches, and the travel involved, can be physically taxing. But Djokovic’s fitness regimen is one of the most carefully honed in all of sports. His commitment to physical conditioning, diet, and recovery has allowed him to maintain a body that can still compete at the highest levels.
Unlike many athletes who begin to see a decline in their movement and endurance as they age, Djokovic seems to only improve in this area. His flexibility, stamina, and speed are still world-class, even as he enters his late 30s. He has shown that with the right approach to training, it is possible to extend one’s peak years in a sport that typically favors youth.
This physical conditioning, combined with his already impressive technical abilities, gives Djokovic an edge over many of his competitors. While some of the younger players may have a slight advantage in raw athleticism, Djokovic’s experience, mental toughness, and fitness enable him to stay competitive and continue winning.
### The Current State of Men’s Tennis: Djokovic’s Unmatched Consistency
While younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are making their marks on the ATP Tour, Djokovic’s dominance over the past decade has still not been eclipsed. He continues to challenge the so-called “Next Gen” with remarkable consistency. His ability to adapt his game to counter newer, more aggressive playing styles shows just how versatile and enduring his skills are. Djokovic has faced down almost every emerging talent with success, often beating them in Grand Slam finals and big matches.
Moreover, Djokovic’s success isn’t just about beating individual players—it’s about his consistency across tournaments. While Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have struggled with injuries in recent years, Djokovic’s ability to stay healthy and consistently perform at the highest level is unmatched. Even though Federer has retired and Nadal’s career seems to be winding down due to injury woes, Djokovic remains the most consistent top-tier player. That consistency, paired with his unparalleled record at multiple Grand Slam events, gives him a legitimate shot at extending his Grand Slam haul in the coming years.
### Why Djokovic Can Still Win Grand Slams: Baghdatis’ Insight
Marcos Baghdatis, who himself had his peak years in the mid-2000s and early 2010s, has a unique perspective on Djokovic’s continued ability to win Grand Slams. Baghdatis noted that Djokovic’s ability to perform consistently in major tournaments, even against the best in the world, is not just a product of his peak years but also his continuous evolution as a player. Baghdatis pointed out that Djokovic is unique in how he has evolved his game over time, not only keeping up with the younger generation but often outlasting them in critical moments.
Baghdatis made a point to highlight Djokovic’s incredible focus and adaptability. He explained that Djokovic has been able to recalibrate his game to maximize his strengths in ways that keep him competitive. Whether it’s his improved serve, enhanced return game, or continued physical conditioning, Djokovic has the tools to continue competing at a high level. As Baghdatis said, “It’s unique, it’s incredible”—a sentiment shared by countless players, analysts, and fans who have watched Djokovic’s career unfold.
### A Future of Continued Glory?
With his incredible fitness, mental toughness, and ability to evolve his game, Djokovic remains one of the biggest threats in men’s tennis. His pursuit of more Grand Slam titles may seem ambitious for a player who is already in the later stages of his career, but the reality is that Djokovic has consistently defied the odds throughout his entire career. He is the type of player who thrives under pressure and can rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
As long as Novak Djokovic maintains his current trajectory, there is every reason to believe that his pursuit of more Grand Slam titles will continue for years to come. The tennis world has yet to witness the end of his legacy, and with each victory, he cements his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
In the words of Baghdatis, it is “unique” and “incredible”—and Novak Djokovic’s story is far from over.
