Jim Courier has emerged to make a bold prediction about Novak Djokovic’s future, following his Wimbledon semi-final defeat yesterday.
The Serbian was well-beaten by Jannik Sinner, as the youthful energy of his opponent proved too much for his hindered body.
He could not compete at that level, and was handily defeated in three sets.
Such a loss will affect a man of Novak Djokovic’s stature, who is so used to being a mainstay at the top of the sport. He remains competitive against the bulk of the tour, but faces a two-man roadblock that is only getting tougher for him to surpass.
Sinner now has three straight wins over the Serbian, and his dream of a 25th Grand Slam title must feel so far away right now.
It is that very topic which Courier has sought to give his verdict on.
Jim Courier makes bold prediction about Novak Djokovic’s future
Speaking on Tennis Channel just last night, he joined a star-studded panel to review a thrilling day of men’s semi-final action at Wimbledon.
And, they could not discuss the matches without touching on Sinner’s supremely impressive win over Djokovic.
Asked if he felt the 24-time Grand Slam champion would ever lift another major title, Courier was the first to make his prediction, stating: “I think if he’s healthy, I think he still has a shot.
“I think he’s still in that conversation with those guys, but it’s clear, I guess, especially against Sinner, that it’s been pretty difficult for him. Five in a row, that’s a lot.”
Lindsay Davenport then chimed in: “I think it’s gonna be tough for anybody to go through both of those guys, and it seems like that’s what the recipe’s gonna have to be if you’re gonna win a Grand Slam title.
“We talked about that with Fritz the other day. If Fritz is gonna win Wimbledon, most likely he’s gonna have to take out Alcaraz and most likely than Sinner. Even if it was Novak that’s a tough ask.
“For Novak, his body has been breaking down now at the majors, starting last year at Roland Garros. We saw it again at the Australian Open. We see it here. It’s so tough to stay healthy in your late 30s, in a major, three out of five sets, seven matches, is a lot.”
Djokovic’s frustration spilt over into a mid-match rant at his coaching staff, as he sought to deploy one final strategy to reignite his chances.
Novak Djokovic can’t retire when he remains so competitive
Everybody knows why Djokovic is still sticking around at the top level of professional tennis, and he has taken no issue in promoting that.
He wants his 25th, record-shattering Grand Slam title.
And this year, he could not have come closer, reaching all three semi-finals, but failing to take the crucial last two steps towards immortality.
But, these narrow failures, however crushing, should not be cause for concern. If anything, they should inspire him to keep going.
If he is routinely making deep runs at majors, defeating almost everyone else on tour aside from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, there’s no reason for him to call time on his career.
By staying in the mix, all he needs is to summon one final legendary performance to overcome one of them, or hope that eventually, their stranglehold on the sport loosens slightly.
If Djokovic can keep within touching distance of those trophies, eventually one could fall into his lap and allow him to retire content.
