A lot of people believe that Novak Djokovic, at 39 years of age, is done winning major titles.
Roger Federer, one of his biggest rivals who faced off against the “Wolf in Winter” 50 times, isn’t one of them.
Speaking to media today in New York, Federer expressed amazement at how well Djokovic is playing for his age, and he cautioned against ruling the Serbian icon out as a potential winner of his 25th major at this Flushing fortnight.
“I feel like whenever Novak enters any tournament, for that matter, or a major, he’ll have a shot,” the 45-year-old Swiss said. “Anyway, that’s my opinion. I have many high regards of Novak. I’ve see what he can do, not just once, not just here or there. He’s done it in every place and at the highest of levels.”
Federer won 23 of the pair’s 50 clashes against Federer, with his only win over Djokovic in a Grand Slam final coming at the US Open in 2007. He knows that Djokovic wouldn’t be playing if he didn’t still think he could win majors.
“I always think that as long as he’s in the draw, there’s a chance,” he said. “I think that’s also one of the reasons he’s still playing, because he actually truly must believe that he can still do it. That’s my opinion, too.”
Though Federer has yet to watch Djokovic’s new Prime documentary, which was released on August 20, he took time to reflect on the 24-time major champion’s unbelievable fighting and problem-solving capacities, both in-match and over the big picture of his two decades career.
“We played each other 50 times on all different surfaces and all the biggest courts. He was a pleasure to play against,” Federer said. “Incredible player, unbelievable fighter. Figured out his game, became bigger and stronger and better. It’s amazing he’s still going. I’m very impressed.”
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