‘Novak Djokovic can still win grand slam titles at 40’ – Former Tennis star predicts
Former world No. 4 James Blake believes that Novak Djokovic, despite a challenging 2024 season, remains a formidable contender for Grand Slam titles well into his 40s if he continues to possess the necessary drive and determination.
Djokovic, who turned 37 this year, had a rare ‘majorless’ season in 2024, failing to add to his record total of 24 Grand Slam titles. His year included a semi-final appearance at the Australian Open, a quarter-final exit at Roland Garros due to injury, a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, and a third-round loss at the US Open. However, he did secure a significant victory by claiming Olympic gold in August, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets at the Paris Olympics.
Blake, a 10-time ATP Tour titlist, expressed in an interview with Sport Klub that Djokovic’s future in the sport hinges on his personal motivation. Despite his age, Blake is confident that Djokovic can remain a top contender if he maintains his passion for the game.
“Everything depends on Novak. Physically, he is still impeccably fit. Now the only question is whether he wants to,” said Blake. “He has done and won everything in this sport. He still has that fire when he wakes up. Does he still want to sacrifice everything to continue to be the best?”
Blake emphasized that Djokovic’s level of tennis remains remarkable even at 37. He noted, “If he wants to, he certainly has, I won’t prejudge, but one or two good years. His level of tennis is incredible even at 37 years old. The question is not whether he can, but whether he wants to. If he wants to, he will be a candidate for Grand Slam titles by the time he is 40.”
Reflecting on Djokovic’s and Alcaraz’s unexpected early exits at the 2024 US Open, Blake admitted surprise but also offered a rationale. “Of course I was surprised in the first moment, because you always expect them to go to the very end,” he said. “However, if you look at the facts objectively, they did a lot in the previous period. Both were in the finals of Wimbledon and the Olympic Games.”
Blake suggested that the physical demands of the season, combined with the psychological toll of their recent successes, may have contributed to their early exits. “Alcaraz also won Roland Garros. Novak achieved his biggest goal, he reached the Olympic gold. They used a lot of energy. I think that the bigger problem was psychological than physical preparation.”
As Djokovic prepares for the upcoming season, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if the Serbian legend’s hunger and resilience will drive him to more Grand Slam victories.
