"Everything depends on Novak": James Blake predicts Novak Djokovic could contend for Grand Slam titles at 40

Former American tennis star James Blake believes that Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic can be a real contender to win a Grand Slam, even at the age of 40. The 37-year-old is already regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic has gone through a bit of a lean patch this season. It is the first time in seven years when the Belgrade-born star has not managed to win a single Grand Slam in a calendar year. Despite that, the former world number one managed to complete his trophy cabinet as he finally won an Olympic gold medal for his country in Paris where he defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 7-6.

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Earlier this season, Djokovic admitted that he is having a hard time motivating himself for events other than the Grand Slams and the Olympics. Now, the former world number four Blake has been quoted in a report by Tennis 365 where he stated that the Serb could be a title contender even at the age of 40, only if he has the desire to compete at the highest level.

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“Everything depends on Novak. Physically, he is still impeccably fit. Now the only question is whether he wants to,” he said. “He has done and won everything in this sport. He still has that fire when he wakes up. Does he still want to sacrifice everything to continue to be the best? He has been doing this for almost the last 20 years. If he wants, then he certainly has, I won’t prejudge, but one or two good years. His level of tennis is incredible even at 37 years old. The question is not whether he can, but whether he wants to. If he wants to, he will be a candidate for Grand Slam titles by the time he is 40.”