"His body was breaking down": Jim Courier stresses key difference between Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi

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.

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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.”

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“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.

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