‘Novak Djokovic can play for another 10 years,” says seven time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander

 

Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander feels that Novak Djokovic can continue for a long time, especially after he saw him dominating the Men’s circuit. Djokovic won his sixth Wimbledon title after he defeated Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in the final. This win meant that he had clinched his 20th Grand Slam title and equalled the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

A lot of people including Wilander believes that the Serb will go ahead of his competition and may continue playing for a long time. Even when the likes of Federer and Nadal will hang their boots. Especially considering that he is young to them and also in great physical shape.

In his recent column for  L’Equipe, Wilander pointed out more about Djokovic’s physical condition and how he can play for a long time.

“When you look at Federer or Nadal, you say to yourself: ‘Ok why not another year or two’ and then after you see Novak and you think: ‘Come on, 10 more years!” Wilander wrote.

The Seven time Grand Slam winner highlights how the Serb is smarter than most players. He looks to improve his game rather than focusing on his opponents. This trait of Djokovic was revealed to him by his former coach Andre Agassi.

“He (Novak Djokovic) is smarter than before,” continued Wilander. “When André Agassi started working with him in 2017, he confided in me all his surprise at seeing how little Novak leaned into the characteristics of his opponent, he placed himself in the machine world, stuck to his line, did not miss and played clean shots.”

The current World No. 1 dropped the first set despite leading it 5-2. It was only the second set that he dropped at this year’s Wimbledon. Wilander feels Djokovic could have defeated Berrettini in straight sets considering his dominance at the start.

“The Margin that Novak Djokovic has over the others is immense,” said the Swede. “This final against Matteo Berrettini, he could have won it 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.”

Lastly the Swede was awestruck by Djokovic’s ability to play so well on grass despite not having a great serve like Agassi or Federer. Wilander points out how the Serb has continuously evolved himself to only get better over the years.

“How can you be so dominant on grass without having the serve of a Pete Sampras or a Roger Federer? I don’t think he got any better on one particular shot, but he added strings to his bow, especially in his approach to the net,” said Wilander. “It’s not so much his on-the-fly technique that amazes me as his defense. He knows exactly where to stand and how to move.”