Novak Djokovic, a 35-year-old player, still dominates world tennis. In the Australian Open finals, he defeated another next-gen representative, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and proved that he still has very much to say in the G.O.A.T. race.
Shortly after Nole won his 22nd grand slam title, his coach Goran Ivanisevic was asked how long can Novak stay on top of his game and compete. “Definitely two or three more years,” he replied. “His level is incredible, and his brain works differently.”
After this success, many people raised questions – why the next-gen players can’t stop him? The answer to this question is multi-layered, but essentially it seems like Djokovic’s aura, mentality, technique, tactics, resilience, and athleticism are still something that brings fear to the hearts of his opponents.
But, above else, it seems that aura and mentality are something that is too much of an obstacle for young players. This is something that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer also emitted in the past, and for now, it seems like it will be a long time before we get to see another “Big 3” or at least something in those margins.
