Novak Djokovic has no intention of passing the torch to the next generation just yet, the 36-year-old Serb proving age is just a number by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to hoist the U.S. Open trophy on Sunday.
With Roger Federer retired and the oft-injured Rafa Nadal ready to call it quits after next season, the days of the ‘Big Three’ are long gone but Djokovic – the final member of that triumvirate – reminded fans in New York that he is far from finished.
His 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 victory over Russian Daniil Medvedev brought him not only a fourth Flushing Meadows title but a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown, and Djokovic wants more.
“Occasionally asking myself, why do I need this, still, at this stage after all I have done, you know. How long do I want to keep going? I do have these questions in my head, of course,” said Djokovic.
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“Knowing that I play at such a high level, still and I win the biggest tournaments in this sport, yeah, I don’t want to get rid of this sport or I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top.”
Djokovic dominated against young American talents, defeating Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton on his way to the final. But in Medvedev, he encountered a more experienced opponent, providing him with an opportunity for redemption. Two years prior, the Russian had halted his pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam on that very court.
