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Tim Henman thinks Novak Djokovic will be around "for a few good years" more as the former British tennis player thinks the 36-year-old Serb is going to call it a career only when he "loses the hunger or desire" to compete and win.
Earlier this year, Djokovic won back-to-back titles at the Australian Open and French Open to get to 23 Grand Slam titles and accomplish his goal of becoming the all-time Grand Slam record holder. But then, Djokovic was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
Although Rafael Nadal has been sidelined since the Australian Open, Djokovic has gotten a new big rival in world No 1 Alcaraz. Considering that Alcaraz has proven that he has what it takes to compete and win against Djokovic on the biggest stage, Henman thinks the Serb may be viewing the Spaniard now as his next big challenge.
Henman on how Alcaraz's presence might impact Djokovic's future
“His hunger and desire has been clear for everybody to see. If that were to change and he doesn’t have the hunger or desire then he’ll probably stop - but I don’t see that happening for a few good years yet.
When you’re talking about an athlete of Djokovic’s stature, I don’t think motivation has been or will be an issue. What he’s achieved, and the players that he’s beaten, and the rivalries that he’s had - it’s absolutely incredible.
If Alcaraz wasn’t there I think Djokovic would be saying to himself, ‘right I can dominate now, I want to win more and more and more.’ I don’t think that’s [just] the case because Alcaraz has really stepped up to the next level.
But the way I would envisage Djokovic viewing that is, ‘well here’s my next challenge and I want to prove to myself, prove to Alcaraz and prove to everyone else that I’m still the best.' I would still say that Djokovic is the man to beat.
He won the first two Slams this year, he was in the final of Wimbledon. His record, his experience is incredible. But it’s great that there is this early stage of a new rivalry and they are obviously in completely different stages of their careers.
And let’s hope they do play plenty more times," Henman told Express Sport.