Tim Henman suggests what could stop Novak Djokovic from playing tennis forever

Djokovic breaks Grand Slam record with French Open win

Tim Henman says Novak Djokovic will only retire from tennis when he loses his “hunger and desire”. Djokovic, who is the most successful men’s player ever after winning 23 Grand Slam titles, lifted the Australian Open and French Open trophies earlier this year, before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.

“His hunger and desire has been clear for everybody to see,” Henman told Express Sport. “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.”

Djokovic was on his way to winning a Calendar Grand Slam until he was toppled by Alcaraz at the All England Club. The 36-year-old took the opening set but was eventually beaten in a five-set thriller as his opponent won the Wimbledon title for the first time.

Alcaraz has toppled Djokovic at the top of the world rankings in recent times, with the Serbian now ranked at No 2 in the world. But Henman insists the veteran doesn’t need Alcaraz to keep him motivated.

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“When you’re talking about an athlete of Djokovic’s stature, I don’t think motivation has been or will be an issue,” the ex-British No 1 continued. “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.’”

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Djokovic and Alcaraz have been tipped to face each other in another showpiece event next month when the US Open final is played at Flushing Meadows. And Henman has tipped the Serbian to claim his fourth title in New York.

“I would still say that Djokovic is the man to beat,” the 48-year-old added. “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.”

The US Open returns exclusively to Sky Sports and NOW with access to all court feeds from 28 August.

US Open tennis makes its long-awaited return to Sky Sports and it’s certainly not something to be missed.

Sky Sports subscribers on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and the Sky Sports app will be able to watch all courts for the first time on Sky Sports.

Want to watch the US Open Tennis but don’t own Sky?

Never fear as you can get Sky Glass, Sky TV, Netflix for £14 a month for six months – thanks to a limited time deal.

You can also get six months Sky Sports completely free.

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