Novak Djokovic Won’t Play Until 41 Like Roger Federer” – Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach
Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of tennis legend Serena Williams, has shared his belief that Novak Djokovic is unlikely to extend his career into his 40s, as Roger Federer did. Federer retired at 41, but Mouratoglou suggests Djokovic may step away from the sport earlier.
In a recent discussion on Tennis Channel, Mouratoglou participated in a true-or-false segment where he was asked if Djokovic would play as long as Federer. He responded, “False,” elaborating that while Djokovic’s retirement depends on his motivation, he doesn’t see the Serbian star competing for another four years.
Djokovic, currently 37, has recently struggled with consistency. At the BNP Paribas Open, he suffered an early exit against Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match. This followed disappointing results at the Qatar Open and his withdrawal from the Australian Open semifinals due to injury. These setbacks have sparked discussions about the longevity of his career.
Reflecting on his performance post-Indian Wells, Djokovic acknowledged the increasing difficulty of maintaining his peak form. He admitted disappointment in his recent results and noted that while he has had an incredible career, the past two years have been challenging. He emphasized that playing at his desired level has become increasingly difficult.
As Djokovic’s career progresses, Mouratoglou’s insights highlight the physical and mental toll on elite athletes as they age. While Federer’s career extended into his early 40s, every player’s journey is unique, shaped by personal motivations, physical well-being, and career aspirations.
With the tennis world watching closely, Djokovic’s upcoming performances will offer clues about how long he intends to stay at the top.
