Novak Djokovic has no plans to hold up his racket any time quickly and is hoping he may have the ability to emulate American soccer nice Tom Brady by extending his profession properly previous his fortieth birthday, the 36-year-old Serbian mentioned on Tuesday.
Quarterback Brady performed 23 seasons within the Nationwide Soccer League, profitable seven Tremendous Bowls with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier than lastly calling it quits on the age of 45 earlier this yr.
World primary Djokovic, who’s getting ready for the beginning of his twenty second season as knowledgeable by enjoying an exhibition match in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz in Riyadh on Wednesday, mentioned he had already realized lots from Brady.
“Tom Brady is a superb instance of a champion in his sport and somebody that has had such an incredible profession and longevity,” the 24-times Grand Slam champion instructed reporters within the Saudi capital.
“He has put a whole lot of hours and a whole lot of time into self-care, into restoration, into ensuring that in a approach each facet of his physique and thoughts is roofed in order that he can have a long-lasting, profitable profession.
“I do know him personally and I realized quite a bit from him, from his instance, and hopefully I can have a profession that goes as much as 40 or possibly even past – let’s see.”
Brady was in Djokovic’s field at Roland Garros in June to look at his good friend win the French Open, one in every of three Grand Slam trophies the Serbian captured in 2023 together with the Australian and U.S. Open titles.
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“I really feel nice in my very own physique proper now and I’ve been enjoying some actually high-quality tennis,” Djokovic added.
“2023 was among the best seasons I’ve had in my life and why cease when you’re nonetheless enjoying nice? So I’ll preserve going and take (every) yr, one after the other, and see how far I’m going.”
Alcaraz beat the Serbian in a five-set thriller to win this yr’s different Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and Djokovic welcomed the rise of the 20-year-old Spaniard, particularly as Roger Federer has retired and Rafa Nadal is coming into his final season.
“Our period is coming to an finish, however you have got Alcaraz rising which is nice, and I used to be very pleased that I had 4 superb matches with him this yr,” Djokovic mentioned.
“Every match attracted a whole lot of consideration, we had a whole lot of nice highlights and it’s good, it’s good for our sport.”
Djokovic will make his last preparations for a tilt at an eleventh Australian Open title by representing his nation within the United Cup in Perth and Sydney within the first week of the brand new yr.