"His body was breaking down": Jim Courier stresses key difference between Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi
ATPSunday, 19 November 2023 at 03:00
Jim Courier
praised Novak Djokovic for his longevity and compared him to Andre Agassi, who,
in his 30s, was physically distant.
Novak
Djokovic reached the final of the 2023 ATP Finals on Saturday, November 18,
thanks to a remarkable performance to overcome Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2,
showcasing his world No. 1 status. The 36-year-old Serbian has had a remarkable
season, winning 3 Grand Slams, in addition to reaching the final at Wimbledon,
and finishes the season at the top of the rankings.
There are
few tennis players who, after the age of 30, can continue to achieve success,
but maintaining Djokovic's dominance on the ATP Tour in the middle thirties is
something rarely seen in history. Recently, former world No. 1 Jim Courier
praised the longevity of the 24-times Grand Slam champion and used American
Andre Agassi, who also played after the age of 30, as a point of comparison:
"36
was the very tail end of a lot of great careers, that lasted a long time. I
think of Andre Agassi, my peer, who played into his mid-30s, but his body was
breaking down. He still was awesome but not as mobile as he was and Novak
[Djokovic] doesn't look like he has lost a step, his defense looks every bit as
good.”
“And then
this year, his forehand and volleys have been better than ever. Forehand out of
necessity in Australia, volleys in the final of Cincinnati against Alcaraz were
out of this world. And he just finds a way to keep fresh and stay sharp and
just keep tamping down all these challengers,"
Djokovic
continues to make history as the all-time leader in Grand Slam victories, and
he will likely enter the 2024 season as one of the favorites in every Slam he
plays. Additionally, the Serbian has indicated that he has no plans to retire
yet.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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