No Longer Young, Djokovic Ready To Pursue New History At Wimbledon
JAKARTA - Professional tennis player Novak Djokovic is ready to pursue a new history by reaching his ninth Wimbledon final. He said that the age of "36 is 26 new" after defeating Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, Friday London time, England.
Djokovic's 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 win confirmed his record 35th Grand Slam final, and brought him closer to his eighth Wimbledon title to match his current record.
"I feel 36 is the new 26, it feels pretty good. I feel a lot of motivation," Djokovic said, quoting Antara.
The 36-year-old will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in his fifth Wimbledon final on Sunday.
Djokovic has passed American legend Chris Evert as the only tennis player to reach 35 major tournament finals, but he has more significant achievements.
The world number two will equal Roger Federer's eight Wimbledon titles if he wins fifth in a row at the All England Club grass field.
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles in his name, Djokovic is also determined to match Margaret Court's record 24 all-time titles.
"I'm happy to be a part of the next generation, I love it," said the Serbian.
"This sport has given me and my family a lot of things. I will repay this sport and play as much as I can," he added.
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Djokovic is the third oldest male tennis player to reach the Wimbledon final in the Open era, and will be the oldest All England Club men's champion to surpass Federer 2017's win at the age of 35 if he wins on Sunday.
When Federer retires and Rafael Nadal is preparing for a farewell tour next year before retiring, Djokovic is still strong.
He has won the Australian Open and French Open this season, as he pursues a clean sweep of four Grand Slams in one year. The US Open will roll in August.
"We are part of an individual sport so you have to rely on yourself and put yourself in the best physical and mental condition before going to the field," Djokovic said of the secret of his performance at a young age.