“It means I have been taking part in fairly a very long time,” Djokovic stated. “And in addition, I imply, 19 occasions, I imply, that is an ideal stat. In all probability virtually as a lot as [Jannik] Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz have years of their life.”
Not fairly. Sinner is 23, whereas Alcaraz is 22.
Youthful gamers like Sinner and Alcaraz, who’ve mixed for eight Grand Slam titles, are actually Djokovic’s largest competitors. Regardless of that, he would not appear to envy them. As an alternative, he mentors them.
“He is crucial for me as a participant and an individual,” Sinner, who used to coach with Djokovic in Monaco, stated earlier than Wimbledon, through The Athletic’s Matthew Futterman. “I used to be fortunate sufficient to observe with him once I was very younger in Monaco. Each time once I requested questions, he answered me in a really sincere means.”
When requested why he mentors younger gamers on the French Open in June, Djokovic stated he at all times needed older gamers to do the identical for him initially of his profession.
“What is the worth of information and expertise that you’ve should you do not switch it to somebody who’s arising?” the 24-time Grand Slam champion stated, per Futterman.
This doesn’t suggest he is serious about retirement.
“I do not pause to mirror, to be sincere. I haven’t got time,” Djokovic stated Thursday. “I want to. However I believe that is going to return in all probability once I set the racket apart, after which sip margaritas on the seashore with [Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal and simply mirror on our rivalry and every thing.”
Why would he mirror when he is nonetheless among the best gamers on this planet? In his match Thursday, he hit 46 winners, whereas Evans had 19.
Djokovic is slated to face Miomir Kecmanovic on Saturday, the place the tennis sage might proceed to showcase his knowledge.
