Novak Djokovic on his Wimbledon future: "I'm planning to come back, definitely, at least one more time"

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Novak Djokovic’s Symmetrical Journey

Novak Djokovic can likely strongly relate to the familiar passage from the Bible that reads, “as it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end.” For several years early in his career, Djokovic ranked just behind two titans, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Now, two others are the dominators. Granted, Djokovic beat Alcaraz at the Australian Open this year. But as the last seven majors have shown, we are clearly in the time of Jannik and Carlos.

Read more: Djokovic—like Federer and Nadal before him—has seen injuries become his Kryptonite

Fifteen years ago, time was on Djokovic’s side in his quest to overcome Federer and Nadal.

With Djokovic now 38 years old, the clock looks much different. To be sure, in reaching the semis of a major for the third time this year, Djokovic proved yet again what makes him better at the Slams than just about every other player in tennis. But it was clear in his loss versus Sinner that the 38-year-old Djokovic was coming up against the worst possible matchup: a younger version of his own playing style—forceful groundstrokes, great movement, unwavering concentration.

I don't know what I can do differently, to be honest, because the amount of hours that I spend on a daily basis to take care of myself, I'd like to challenge everyone who is out there on the tour to see if anybody takes cares of themselves more than me. Novak Djokovic

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Addressing his current frustrations at the majors, Djokovic said following the Sinner match that, “I don't know what I can do differently, to be honest, because the amount of hours that I spend on a daily basis to take care of myself, I'd like to challenge everyone who is out there on the tour to see if anybody takes cares of themselves more than me.”

As Djokovic seeks to go beyond the semis in New York, what will he do? Innovate? Execute? One hopes most of all that he stays healthy.