Djokovic: ‘You’re Only As Old As You Feel’

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

At age 36, Novak Djokovic continues to prove that age is just a number.

The Serbian extended his winning streak at Grand Slam events to 23 on Wednesday, when he produced a clean performance to defeat Australian Jordan Thompson in the second round of Wimbledon.

The victory earned Djokovic his 350th match win at the majors, becoming just the third player to reach that milestone, joining Roger Federer (369) and Serena Williams (365). The Belgrade-native is showing no signs of slowing down.

“You're only as young or as old as you feel. I feel young in my own body, in my own head, in my heart,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. “My children remind me of that, the time that I spend with them. The innocence, incredible curiosity, pure love and energy that I get to experience with them is something that really strengthens that inner child in you.

“Also the fact that I'm still playing the sport that I fell in love with when I was very young. I think that is something that is very refreshing. I have to say that I'm really fortunate and blessed to have a healthy body. Still at this stage, after 20 years of professional tennis, I'm able to compete at the highest level.”

If Djokovic maintains that level, he could add to the Wimbledon record books this year. Should he win the title, he would tie Roger Federer with eight Wimbledon crowns and become the oldest men’s champion at SW19 in the Open Era.

Part of the reason why the 94-time tour-level titlist has won 11 majors since turning 30 is that he is constantly improving even the smallest details of his game.

“I never want to stop growing, learning, trying to improve, trying to understand the nuances, the details,” Djokovic said. Whether it's with my game, with my body, with my nutrition, recovery, whatever it is that can take me a small step further.

“I feel very hungry for knowledge, for experiences. Life is a great journey that can offer a lot if one is open to experience. I can only speak on my own behalf. I've been through a lot of things in life for these 36 years. Very, very grateful for all that I have experienced.”

Chasing a record-extending 24th major this fortnight, Djokovic is soaking in any kind of pressure and using it as fuel to continue his chase for his third Grand Slam tournament trophy this season.

“Every time I walk out on the court, particularly in Grand Slams and centre courts, I feel tremendous pressure and expectations from myself, from people around that are watching live or on TV, the whole tennis world,” Djokovic said. “It's a feeling that I'm used to by now, and it's something that I also embrace because it's giving me further motivation to strive to make more history.

“I don't think it's ever going to change as long as I'm playing really. Regardless of the Grand Slam count fact, I still want to make my own results and my own journey. I think that's what drives me most nowadays.”

Djokovic will next face 29th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry or three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka in the third round at the All England Club. The Serbian won his maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting against the Argentine Etcheverry this year in Rome and holds a 20-6 record against the Swiss Wawrinka, who defeated Djokovic in two major finals (2015 Roland Garros, 2016 US Open).