French ATP Ace Can’t Believe Novak Djokovic is Still Hungry
The tennis world has long been accustomed to the relentless excellence of Novak Djokovic. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, the Serbian superstar has firmly cemented his place in tennis history as one of the greatest players to ever step onto the court. Yet, even as Djokovic continues to rack up titles and break records, many within the sport, including his contemporaries, are left astounded by his insatiable hunger for success. This ongoing drive, particularly at the age of 37, has sparked surprise and admiration, especially among younger players who are still carving out their own paths on the ATP Tour.
One such player who recently expressed his disbelief at Djokovic’s ongoing hunger for more success is French tennis ace, Gaël Monfils. Monfils, who has had his own ups and downs in his career but remains a crowd favorite for his athleticism and exciting style of play, has known Djokovic for years. As one of the top players in the ATP circuit, Monfils has seen firsthand the kind of work ethic, mental fortitude, and competitiveness that Djokovic possesses. However, even Monfils has been taken aback by the Serbian’s ability to maintain his drive and commitment to the game, especially as he continues to break records and set new milestones.
“I just don’t understand it,” Monfils said during a recent interview, speaking candidly about Djokovic’s determination to stay at the top of his game. “Every year, every season, you think, ‘Okay, maybe this is the year when Novak will slow down.’ But he keeps coming back stronger. His hunger for success is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, especially for a player who has already achieved so much.”
Monfils’ statement is not an isolated one. Many other players, former champions, and tennis experts have similarly been amazed by Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of excellence, especially after reaching so many career milestones. Djokovic’s achievements are staggering: he has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any male player in history, and holds numerous records, including the most weeks at world number one. But even with all these accolades, Djokovic has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, as he continues to perform at the highest level, it seems like he has only intensified his commitment to maintaining his place at the pinnacle of the sport.
Monfils pointed out that it’s not just Djokovic’s physical ability that has allowed him to remain at the top, but his mental strength. “It’s his mindset that blows me away,” Monfils continued. “Most players would be content with winning a Grand Slam or two. Novak has won almost every record there is, and yet he still wants more. He still wants to be the best every time he steps onto the court. It’s unbelievable.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Djokovic’s career is his ability to adapt and evolve. While many players experience a decline in their performance as they age, Djokovic has managed to stay at the top of the game well into his late 30s, a period in a tennis player’s career that is traditionally marked by a decline in form or physical challenges. Djokovic, however, has proven that age is just a number. He has continued to refine his game, adjusting his fitness routine and mental approach to meet the physical demands of the ATP Tour.
This ability to adapt has been particularly evident in Djokovic’s remarkable performances during major tournaments in the last few years. Even as players like Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Jannik Sinner have emerged as potential future champions, Djokovic has shown time and again that he is still the player to beat. His victories at Wimbledon and the Australian Open in recent years have cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, but what truly sets him apart is his desire to win more. Djokovic doesn’t just want to compete; he wants to dominate, and he has been doing so for well over a decade.
One of the most notable examples of Djokovic’s ongoing hunger for success came in 2023 when he won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open. With this victory, he equaled the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles ever, a feat previously set by Margaret Court. Yet, despite achieving this milestone, Djokovic’s reaction was far from one of complacency. Instead of basking in the glory of his record, Djokovic immediately shifted his focus to the future. In his post-match interviews, Djokovic discussed his desire to break even more records and his drive to remain at the top of the sport for as long as possible.
“It’s an incredible achievement, but I don’t feel like I’ve reached my limit,” Djokovic said after his US Open win. “I’m still motivated to continue pushing myself and see how much further I can go. Every time I step onto the court, I want to be the best version of myself. The hunger to win is still there.”
Monfils, who has had the pleasure of facing Djokovic many times over the years, noted that Djokovic’s level of professionalism and commitment to the sport is unmatched. “I’ve played against him, and I’ve seen him up close. He doesn’t take anything for granted. He’s always working on something, whether it’s his serve, his return, his fitness. Even when he’s winning, he’s always thinking about what he can improve next. That’s what makes him so dangerous,” Monfils said.
Tennis experts have also weighed in on Djokovic’s exceptional longevity in the sport. Many attribute his sustained success to his relentless work ethic, which has allowed him to stay injury-free and maintain his peak physical condition. Djokovic’s commitment to fitness, his strict diet, and his mental toughness have all played a role in his ability to compete at the highest level, despite the toll that years of professional tennis can take on the body.
“Novak Djokovic is a freak of nature,” said former world No. 1 tennis player John McEnroe. “He’s not just physically gifted; he’s mentally tougher than almost anyone I’ve ever seen. He has this insatiable drive, and it’s hard to believe that someone with his success can still be so hungry for more. That’s what separates him from others.”
As Djokovic continues to perform at the top of his game, Monfils and other players have no doubt that his desire for success will remain a driving force throughout the remainder of his career. The Serbian’s influence on the sport is undeniable, and his tenacity to keep pushing for greatness sets a high bar for younger players to follow.
While Djokovic’s insatiable hunger for success has shocked many, it is clear that his relentless pursuit of excellence is far from over. As Monfils pointed out, Djokovic’s incredible work ethic and determination continue to defy expectations, making him not just a legendary figure in tennis but an inspiration to athletes in all sports.