'He wants to surpass Federer and Nadal's record...' - Former world number 3 gives verdict on Novak Djokovic's longevity

Tennis legend Nikolay Davidenko, has been retired from tennis for 10 years already, when he was just 33 years old. He was one of the very few players who was younger than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when it was their turn. However, the former Russian number three player has opened up about how Novak Djokovic might aim to surpass him and top his rivals in his tennis career. The 43-year-old tennis legend hinted that the Serbian might want to surpass Nadal and Federer at an older age, which is currently more than him.

Speaking in the same interview, Nikolay further made an educated guess as to why Novak Djokovic is still playing. The Russian feels that the 37-year-old could be looking to showcase to the world than what he was capable of, having a longer career than both Nadal and Federer.

"He's trying to deceive nature. Let's see if he succeeds. Perhaps he wants to surpass Federer and Nadal's record of longest career. Roger ended at 41, maybe Novak aims to reach that age. Maybe he will play fewer tournaments," Nikolay Davidenko said.

Also read: Novak Djokovic opens up on the two greatest matches of his tennis career

I like his tactics on the court; it's not about doping: Nikolay Davidenko 

Nikolay further spoke about how the world number one, Jannik Sinner, took the game to the epitome of the level at such a young age. The Ukrainian-born star feels that the Italian has been playing extremely well and further hailed his tactics. The 43-year-old legend also mentioned the major changes he has witnessed in Sinner when he met him back in 2019 and how he has changed the momentum of the game.

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"Sinner is playing very well, he is great. I like his tactics on the court; it's not about doping. I saw him in 2019, compared to now, the difference is quite substantial. Jannick started playing differently. The tactics have changed significantly, so many don't have time to keep up with him. Half of the players now say he's winning because of doping," he added further.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner matches Roger Federer's feat despite never-ending doping saga