Former world No. 4 Guy Forget believes Novak Djokovic is still motivated to keep playing because of the possibility of adding a 25th Grand Slam title but doesn’t expect the 37-year-old to stay much longer in tennis if he starts losing some matches that he would usually win.
For the first time since 2017, the Serb didn’t win a single Major during a season and the feeling is that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz left him behind. But he was able to win the Paris Olympics – clinch his first gold medal – so it can’t be said that his 2024 campaign was an absolute disappointment.
While Djokovic has a record of 24 Slams and he officially beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the all-time record, there is still one Slam feat on the line – no male or female player has ever won 25 Majors in singles. In women’s tennis, Margaret Court also finished with 24.
Forget: I don’t see Djokovic putting himself in Nadal’s situation
“I think Novak is motivated by records. To reach the height that has never been climbed. With one or two more, it will be Everest. He only trains for that. He loves the Australian Open. A player never wants to lose, it’s painful. I trust Novak to keep this state of mind,” the former 11-time ATP champion told Tennis Actu.
“On the other hand, if he is physically diminished, if he loses against players who seem below him, I don’t know if he will enjoy playing for a long time. I don’t see Novak playing for several weeks losing matches, as Nadal did.”
Novak Djokovic© Novak Djokovic/Instagram – Fair Use
Of course, Forget is referring to the Spaniard’s 2024 season, in which he tried to play but was evidently far from his best level and it resulted in several early exits.
Meanwhile, Djokovic now works with Andy Murray and he is hoping that his former rival can help him kick off his 2025 run with a triumphant Australian Open run.
Tennis World USA