Czech tennis star Tomas Berdych believes that Novak Djokovic is not invincible anymore as he highlights his fragility according to the last few events this year. However, he still considers the Serb to be the best but feels that others can also compete with him.
The former World No. 4 in an interview with Sky Sports claimed that Djokovic’s dominance over the years is due to his tremendous physical ability. On the same note, Berdych feels that Djokovic is gradually showing signs of fragility in recent times.
“Novak Djokovic has been so strong where nothing could break him, which is why he has been dominating,” Berdych said. “But I think now he’s getting a little bit more fragile.”
Despite all of that Berdych still feels Djokovic is good enough to win his 21st Grand Slam next year. But the Czech highlights how next season will be very interesting and closely fought.
“Next season is going to be interesting,” Berdych said. ” But I think Djokovic’s got the chance of winning at least one Grand Slam next year.”
The 2010 Wimbledon finalist feels that Djokovic’s age will be a major factor in bringing his fitness down next year. He wants the Serb to avoid playing long gruelling five setters that will genuinely slow him down. So going by that Berdych feels it will be tougher for Djokovic to keep pace with younger talents.
“Djokovic is going to have more of a difficult time next year, definitely,” Berdych said. “I think he’s going to have to avoid a tough match which will drain him over five sets.”
However, Berdych lauded the Big Three for their longevity and persistent dominance over the tennis world. He feels that the top three players highlighted how good the entire generation of players were during that time. However now he feels it is time for the next generation to take over.
“Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic have been around for a really, really long time,” Berdych said. “It shows just what a great generation of tennis it has been.”
Lastly, Berdych pointed out Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas as his pick of the players from the next generation superstars to shine. Tsitsipas has impressed Berdych with his style of tennis.
