Former British No 1 Tim Henman believes Novak Djokovic could still stun the tennis world by winning another Grand Slam title this year.
Djokovic is sitting on 24 major titles, leaving him tied with Margaret Court in the all-time list of Grand Slam winners.
He is in a league of his own in the men’s game as he is two Grand Slam wins ahead of his great rival Rafael Nadal, but his form over the last 18 months has led many to conclude his days of winning the biggest titles is the sport are over.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the last six five Grand Slam tournaments, with Djokovic looking like a fading force after toasting his 38th birthday last Thursday.
Yet Henman insists Djokovic does not need to explain to anyone why he is continuing to push for more glory, as he hinted the Serbian maestro could still silence his critics.
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“It is very much a personal choice when you decide to finish,” Henman told Tennis365 at a TNT Sport and discovery+ event.
“I made the decision in the space of about two hours and it was absolutely perfect timing for me. Others take a little longer.
“For me, I don’t think Djokovic is one of the favourites in Paris, but I would put him in the mix to win at Wimbledon if he is fit and healthy.
“He is one of the favourites on grass. I think he believes he can win on grass and I’m sure he believes he can win on clay. That’s why he’s out there.
“Given his record on grass and the nature of the surface, the physical demands are a little bit less and the experience he has will be so important. So I would still think he has a shot at winning Wimbledon.”
Djokovic has insisted he is confident of contending for major titles again, as he insists his status as an outsider at Roland Garros will inspire him to push for another title in Paris.
“It’s a different chapter in my life,” said Djokovic. “I’m trying to navigate these waters. I’m not used to these kinds of circumstances, with two eliminations right from the start [Monaco and Madrid].
“I don’t think that’s happened to me in the last 20 years. But I knew that, possibly, this moment would come.
“It’s hard for me to sit down and think about everything I’ve accomplished in my career. Of course, I’m proud of it, but I still have the desire to win the biggest titles, to win the Grand Slams, to be one of the best players in the world. That’s why I’m here to play in the Geneva tournament, because I’m trying to do things well, to win more trophies. The motivation is still there.
“It’s just that in this transition period, I have to understand my body, what needs to be done to maintain my health, while being in optimal condition to play my best tennis in the Grand Slams.
“When I’m in a competition, I want to do my best, but the Grand Slams remain the peaks of our sport.”
Djokovic has his sights set on clay courts in Paris for now, but he may have the best chance to achieve the last great goal of his career when he arrives at Wimbledon next month.
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