Novak Djokovic enters the Australian Open at 38 still entrenched among the game's elite.
However, Pat Cash questions whether time is finally imposing limits on the legend when facing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC.
We are not worthy. pic.twitter.com/1uOtHA3jqF
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
Djokovic is ranked in the top-4 a couple of months before turning 39. It's a feat that continues to draw admiration across the tennis world. A player who has achieved everything our sport has to offer is still hungry and motivated to challenge the young guns.
Novak's results speaks to a level of longevity and adaptability rarely seen in the modern era, especially in such a physically demanding sport. However, winning a Major at 38 against the dominant forces of our sport gets tougher and tougher.
Cash believes that Djokovic's ability to solve problems on court remains unmatched. The Aussie can easily imagine the veteran in another Australian Open semi-final in a couple of weeks following his experience and tactical intelligence.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
However, the real test comes when multiple physical and tactical battles stack up against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Novak will not face the leading players of men's tennis before the semi-final.
If he enters the last four, he will likely face the Spaniard and the Italian in back-to-back matches. Pat sees that as the defining obstacle for the most decorated player of all time.
The prospect of defeating the winners of the previous eight Majors within a couple of days is viewed as a significantly tougher task at this stage of his incredible career.
Recovery nd preparation for the next duel are critical variables in Djokovic's quest toward the 25th Major title, especially when the tournament reaches its final days. The Serb will try to preserve his body during demanding best-of-five setters in challenging conditions.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
If he advances into the latter stages without physical issues, he believes he can still challenge Alcaraz and Sinner. Novak will arrive in Melbourne on Tuesday and hit the practice court.
He returns Down Under as one of the favorites 21 years after making his debut against Marat Safin, which speaks volumes about his incredible longevity and dedication.
"With age, performance declines – that's the reality. So, for Novak to still be at the top of his game is absolutely phenomenal. He always finds solutions to problems, and it will be really interesting to see how he does at the Australian Open.
Has he played enough matches? Has he trained enough? Is he preserving his body solely for matches? And if so, will it work? I do not see him beating Carlos and Jannik in back-to-back matches, and that's his problem.
He can reach the semi-final again, but then he risks facing the same issue," Pat Cash said.
