Tim Henman suggests what may cease Novak Djokovic from enjoying tennis perpetually
Tim Henman says Novak Djokovic will solely retire from tennis when he loses his “hunger and desire”. Djokovic, who’s probably the most profitable males’s participant ever after profitable 23 Grand Slam titles, lifted the Australian Open and French Open trophies earlier this yr, earlier than shedding to Carlos Alcaraz within the Wimbledon closing.
“His hunger and desire has been clear for everybody to see,” Henman informed Express Sport. “If that were to change and he doesn’t have the hunger or desire then he’ll probably stop – but I don’t see that happening for a few good years yet.”
Djokovic was on his method to profitable a Calendar Grand Slam till he was toppled by Alcaraz on the All England Club. The 36-year-old took the opening set however was ultimately overwhelmed in a five-set thriller as his opponent gained the Wimbledon title for the primary time.
Alcaraz has toppled Djokovic on the high of the world rankings in latest instances, with the Serbian now ranked at No 2 on the planet. But Henman insists the veteran doesn’t want Alcaraz to maintain him motivated.
“When you’re talking about an athlete of Djokovic’s stature, I don’t think motivation has been or will be an issue,” the ex-British No 1 continued. “What he’s achieved, and the players that he’s beaten, and the rivalries that he’s had – it’s absolutely incredible.
“If Alcaraz wasn’t there I think Djokovic would be saying to himself, ‘right I can dominate now, I want to win more and more and more.’ I don’t think that’s [just] the case because Alcaraz has really stepped up to the next level. But the way I would envisage Djokovic viewing that is, ‘well here’s my next challenge and I want to prove to myself, prove to Alcaraz and prove to everyone else that I’m still the best.’”
Djokovic and Alcaraz have been tipped to face one another in one other showpiece occasion subsequent month when the US Open closing is performed at Flushing Meadows. And Henman has tipped the Serbian to say his fourth title in New York.
“I would still say that Djokovic is the man to beat,” the 48-year-old added. “He won the first two Slams this year, he was in the final of Wimbledon. His record, his experience is incredible. But it’s great that there is this early stage of a new rivalry and they are obviously in completely different stages of their careers. And let’s hope they do play plenty more times.”
The US Open returns completely to Sky Sports and NOW with entry to all courtroom feeds from 28 August.