“I think that every child, whatever he wants to become, should always dream – imagination,” Novak Djokovic had said his 2020 motivational speech. While Djokovic never stopped dreaming, ultimately achieving 24 Grand slams, an Olympics Gold and now a clinical win at US Open. On Monday, Djokovic outclassed a “consistent and tenacious player”, who has spent most of his career ranked between No 50 and 150. While currently 37 in age, how does he manage to play like a 21-year-old?

Despite a shaky start with his first serve, Djokovic quickly asserted his dominance, breezing through his own service games and relentlessly pressuring Albot’s vulnerable serve. With his unwavering depth and consistency from both sides, Djokovic gradually wore down his opponent, securing a comfortable victory. 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. With this, he has now won more matches on Ashe, 78, than any other man in history. Shortly after, Djoker spilled the beans on his “longevity”.

In reply to James Blake’s question, Djokovic stated, “There’s not one word or secret that would describe it all. It’s just a way of life. Way to approach my tennis career. I was fortunate very early on in my life to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate people who were kind enough to share their guidance with me for years and they taught me very early on that prevention equals longevity.”

Further, he emphasized how efforts put early on in life compound and circle back later on. “Stretching. Warm-up. Everything I do early on in my life will come back to me later in my career.” Furthermore, Djoker adviced all athletes to find the optimal balance between the mind and body. “The body is one part. The mentality and emotional, mental aspect is something on the other side.”

Novak Djokovic’s longevity has been a hot topic of discussion over the last few years. Last year during an interview, he revealed that competing with younger players is like an “extra incentive” to him. Because he knows they are hungry for success, while he always wants to be the best in the world.

With this victory against Albot, Djokovic (89) has now joined Roger Federer as the second most number of win at the US Open. He hasn’t played on the hard courts for almost six months. So, finding the rhythm back on this surface after switching from clay and grass was a difficult one. However, he is now happy to kickstart the tournament in the right way. “At the end of the day, this sport gave me so much. Me continuing to play and giving 100% every time I step on the court is paying back to this wonderful sport,” concluded the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Djokovic’s longevity on the Tour has drawn praise from many, but who does he look up to when it comes to the longevity in the sporting world?

Novak Djokovic reveals the sporting world superstar, who motivated him to keep going

In February this year, we heard the French tennis star, Richard Gasquet, portray his amazement at the longevity of the Serb. He was literally amazed to see how Djokovic still manages to keep his hunger burning in his belly even at this age. Gasquet said he “can’t explain” why Novak Djokovic is “so strong at that age.” He even compared him with the basketball legend Michael Jordan in terms of staying at the helm of the sporting world.

Recently, Carlos Alcaraz also spoke about how Djokovic always wants to keep improving and give his best no matter where he plays. However, he also added, “That’s what he has always achieved, and that’s why a lot of people admire him. Let’s hope he won’t be able to continue winning more titles. Let’s wait and see, but hopefully, we will be able to continue with this path.” This is exactly what Djokovic has mentioned in his speech last year. The more these youngsters try to rattle him from the throne, the more get his hunger is to succeed!

However, taking about his inspiration, last year, during a conversation, he was heard saying, “Tom Brady is a great example of a champion in his sport and someone that has had such a great career and longevity.” He looked quite impressed with the way Brady had shaped his career and hoped that he could also play till the 40s or maybe beyond, if possible. Danger signs for players like Carlos Alcaraz?