Thiem, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Kyrgios: They all have their talents, but none has the mentality or consistency needed to win virtually every match they play, which is what Djokovic has been doing for a decade. To me, Daniil Medvedev is someone who has shown that he could do something new, who could beat Djokovic at his own game, and maybe add a few aspects of his own.
But we saw what happened to him against Novak in Melbourne. Djokovic still has something to prove. She taught him the fundamentals, but she also instilled in him a rare self-confidence. That will change on Monday, when Medvedev occupies the position. Joel, do you see Djokovic staying at or near the top for four or five more years?
He will turn 34 in May. But as the likes of Federer and Tom Brady have shown, the aging process in sports is very different than it once was. Certainly Djokovic is fit and formidable enough to age quite well. There have also been significant enhancements to the Djokovic forehand more topspin , backhand incorporating a slice and net game. More recently, Djokovic added more variety and pace to his serve, an effort no doubt aided by his coach, serving maestro Goran Ivanisevic.
At the Australian Open last month, Djokovic hit more aces——than anyone in the tournament. Granted, only Medvedev played as many matches in Melbourne as Djokovic. But the point remains: Djokovic knows that as he gets older, a better serve will help him win points more easily.
So, as the champions like to say, Djokovic is doing as much as possible to take responsibility for what he can control. Such contenders as Thiem, Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev are all trying to take high-grade offense to a new level.
No one knows the answer. Heck, who had any idea how much better Federer would get after his first Slam win in ? And, as I mentioned, who could foresee the incredible strides Djokovic would take once began? Analysis and opinion from the BBC's tennis correspondent. How to get into tennis - it's fun, will keep you fit and caters for all levels and abilities.
Find your nearest court and learn the basics with our guide. Get the latest tennis headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. The Serb will aim for his sixth Paris Masters title on Sunday Novak Djokovic claimed a record seventh year-end number one ranking by overcoming Poland's Hubert Hurkacz to reach the Paris Masters final.
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