‘Tactically, Novak Djokovic is so much better than the young players coming up’, says former No 1
Mats Wilander has declared that the “most important role” for Novak Djokovic in the remainder of his career is the part he plays in the development of the younger generation of players.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion believes Djokovic can ask “tactical questions” of the rising ATP stars in the same way Roger Federer did to him, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
As the only player from the ‘Big Four’ generation still at the top of the game, Djokovic is now competing against much younger rivals like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as he looks to add to his staggering records.
At 36, the great Serbian is the oldest player in the top 40 of the ATP Rankings and one of only three players aged 30 or over in the top 20 — along with Grigor Dimitrov and Adrian Mannarino.
Djokovic, who will remain as the world No 1 until at least April 15, has ensured he will break Federer’s record to become the oldest top-ranked player ever.
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Speaking to Eurosport, Wilander, a former world No 1, expressed why he feels Djokovic has such a key role to play in the sport before he retires.
“I think one really important part of Novak Djokovic’s future to me — and I think this is something that the coach must stress to him — is that the importance of Novak Djokovic in today’s men’s game goes way beyond him winning 25 majors and being the best player in the world, even on paper, passing Margaret Court,” said the Swede.
“I think tactically, Novak Djokovic is so much more mature and so much better than the young players coming up, and they’re not going to ask each other those tactical questions.
“Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for that matter. They’re still able to ask these young players these questions that Roger Federer asked to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
“That would be the legacy of the great Roger Federer. He showed them that you need more than just hitting the tennis ball. You need way more. I think that’s the most important role for Novak Djokovic, in my eyes.
“I’m only looking at tennis hoping that it improves as a sport and the level becomes better and better. I’m not saying that’s how Novak Djokovic is going to win more majors, but I think for the development of those younger players, he is playing a massively important part.”
Djokovic, who has not competed since the Indian Wells Open last month, will return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters, where play begins on Sunday April 7.
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