As No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti on Friday, the potential matchup with 38-year-old Novak Djokovic looms large. Djokovic, a seven-time major champion, has become a remarkable presence in tennis, rewriting records at an age when most players consider retirement. His trajectory has caught the attention of the legendary John McEnroe, who is in Paris providing commentary for TNT.
McEnroe emphasizes that regardless of Djokovic’s performance this weekend, his achievements are astounding. Notably, half of Djokovic’s 24 major titles have been won after he turned 30, a feat unmatched in the sport.
Recalling his own experiences, McEnroe shared how he felt past his prime at 31 after losing to a young Pete Sampras in the 1990 US Open semifinals. He noted that reaching the age of 30 was a notable milestone back then, a stark contrast to Djokovic’s sustained excellence at an advanced stage of his career.
What McEnroe finds particularly admirable about Djokovic is his ability to adapt and enhance his game over the years. He remarks that Djokovic is playing even better in certain aspects compared to earlier in his career, specifically highlighting improvements in his serve, volleying skills, and shot-making.
The evolution of Djokovic’s game, especially as he embraces new techniques like the drop shot, showcases a player at the peak of his abilities, inspiring both admiration and a bit of envy from former players like McEnroe. This narrative of continued growth in sports presents a hopeful view for athletes, suggesting that age can be just a number and excellence can be redefined and sustained.