Djokovic’s US Open Concern: A 38-Year-Old Body and an Unyielding Ambition

In the night breeze at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, the moment Djokovic supported his lower back, it felt as if time stood still.

During the third round of the US Open, this 24-time Grand Slam winner, while leading 5-4 and serving for the set, unexpectedly requested a medical timeout, slowly walking to the side and then straight to the physiotherapy room deep within the player’s tunnel under the full attention of the audience.“Honestly, I’m very worried, more than ever before,” Djokovic revealed a rare look of concern when speaking to ESPN after the match. Although he eventually defeated British player Norrie 3-1, the 38-year-old Serbian star had to face a harsh reality: age is becoming the toughest opponent in his career.

Match statistics show that Djokovic has requested medical timeouts more than once in the first three rounds of this US Open. In the opening round, where he won straight sets against American rising star Learner Chen, he already showed signs of fatigue despite mild weather; in the second round, after a four-set victory over Swiatek, his movement was noticeably below his peak condition.

“Things are different now,” Djokovic admitted. “I have to adjust my training methods and sometimes don’t train at all between two matches. My team believes that long-term recovery is more important than practice on the court.” The player known for his intense training openly acknowledged for the first time that he must compromise with age.

When asked how much time he now spends on recovery during tournaments, Djokovic gave a surprising figure: “Actually, it might be more than when I was younger; I have to add several extra hours daily just to keep pace with younger players.”

From massages and physiotherapy to various high-tech rehabilitation devices, from precisely calculated sleep schedules to strictly controlled nutrition intake, the veteran’s daily routine has become a race against time. “Young players come at you full of energy and stamina, while I’m running on half a tank,” he said with a wry smile.

Although Djokovic’s next opponent Struff has a head-to-head record of 0-7 against him, the competition is no longer just about statistics. According to the draw, even if Djokovic passes the fourth round, he is likely to face home favorite Fritz in the quarterfinals, and the potential semifinal opponent is the No. 2 seed, 22-year-old Alcaraz, a young player known for his outstanding fitness and power.

“I hope to try and change this situation at this tournament, though I’m not sure if it’s possible,” Djokovic said uncertainly. “My body’s reactions are hard to predict, but one thing’s for sure—I will fight until my last drop of energy is gone.”

As a four-time US Open champion, Djokovic’s career has already been filled with miracles. But from resting after the Wimbledon semifinals to struggling through the US Open, it seems time has finally caught up with this legendary champion who has always been racing ahead.

Sports medicine expert David Gainer stated, “Professional tennis players need to double their recovery time each year after turning 35. Djokovic’s situation is not surprising, but his perseverance is admirable.”

At the post-match press conference, when asked about his retirement plans, Djokovic smiled slightly: “As long as I can still hold a racket, I will keep fighting. But for now, I need to focus on recovering for tomorrow.”

The lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium gradually dimmed, but Djokovic’s battle continues. For this tennis legend, every stroke at the US Open is no longer just about winning or losing—it is a dialogue between an unwilling-to-age spirit and time itself.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)