It is not normal - but extraordinary Djokovic defies odds once again

New Delhi, India Jul 8, 2026 ALN: It is worth remembering that what you are watching is not normal.

It is not normal that a 39-year-old should beat an opponent 14 years his junior in five sets in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam. This feat highlights not only the physical demands of elite but also the extraordinary nature of Novak Djokovic's career. Typically, athletes in high-intensity s like experience a decline in performance as they age, particularly past the age of 30. Yet, Djokovic continues to defy these expectations, showcasing a blend of skill, stamina, and mental fortitude that sets him apart.

It is not normal that after five hours and 15 minutes, he is still chasing down every single shot that is pounded towards his racquet. In a where fatigue can quickly become a factor, especially in lengthy matches, Djokovic's ability to maintain such high levels of energy and focus is a testament to his rigorous training regimen and commitment to physical fitness. His training routines are well-documented, involving not just on-court practice but also extensive work in the gym, physiotherapy, and mental conditioning.

It is not normal that he is gliding and sliding and then charging around the baseline, running to the net to meet drop shots, and still sending down second serves at 122 mph. This blend of agility and power at his age is remarkable, particularly when considering the wear and tear that professional athletes endure over their careers. Djokovic's athleticism is matched by his tactical intelligence on the court, allowing him to outmaneuver younger opponents who may possess more raw physical power.

But then, this is Novak Djokovic. A 24-time Grand Slam champion, one major away from the all-time record. Arguably the greatest to ever do it. A man who thrives on proving the doubters and the critics wrong. Djokovic's journey through the has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming various challenges, including injuries and intense rivalries with contemporaries like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. His ability to adapt and evolve his game has been crucial in maintaining his status at the top of the .

Under the lights of Centre Court, an epic battle played out. It was a match so engrossing it delayed the BBC News at 10. A packed crowd lived every moment, witnessing a contest that encapsulated the essence of high-stakes . The atmosphere was electric, with fans oscillating between support for the underdog, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and the seasoned champion, Djokovic. They were first behind Auger-Aliassime, the underdog. Then it was Djokovic, the great, roared on after losing the third set. This dynamic reflects the emotional rollercoaster that matches often provide, with momentum shifts creating a palpable tension that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.

They were split by the fifth set, but as Djokovic pulled away in the tie-break, the fans chanted his name. They stood and screamed as one as Auger-Aliassime spooned a backhand long to confirm Djokovic's victory. The crowd's reaction underscores Djokovic's status as a crowd favorite, despite the presence of a promising young player like Auger-Aliassime. This victory further solidifies Djokovic's legacy as a player who can perform under pressure, a quality that has been evident throughout his career.

"To be able to come out and play this level at that age... it's not normal. It's really not normal," Leon Smith, Britain's Davis Cup captain, said on BBC 5 Live. Smith's observation highlights the rarity of Djokovic's achievement, serving as a reminder of the physical and mental demands of professional . "I know he spent a lifetime on his body, but to do this, the amount of work that we don't see must be astonishing. It is amazing. He deserves all the respect that he gets." This respect is not just for his achievements on the court but also for the dedication and discipline that underpin his success.

An exhausted but delighted Djokovic said afterwards that he "won that match with a racquet and a lot of heart." This statement encapsulates the essence of Djokovic's approach to the game; it is not merely about physical prowess but also about mental resilience and passion for the . It is a sentiment that sums up the latter half of his career. Djokovic's movement is still sublime, his shots still potent, but his body has not always held up. This acknowledgment of his physical limitations adds a layer of relatability to his character, as fans can empathize with the struggles of aging and the pursuit of excellence.

Against Auger-Aliassime, an innocuous slide to a backhand led to him tweaking his left calf and needing a medical timeout. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of an athlete's body, especially at an advanced age for professional s. His movement was hindered for the rest of the first set, particularly on serve, but he was helped on his way to taking the opener by a series of errors from the Canadian. Djokovic's ability to adapt mid-match, even when facing physical challenges, is a hallmark of his competitive spirit.

But five hours later, Djokovic was still moving around the court as well as ever. This resilience is not just a physical attribute; it is a mental one as well. "I've been watching this guy for 20 years and time and time again, in the biggest moments, he delivers," former British number one Tim Henman said on BBC TV. Henman's words reflect the collective admiration for Djokovic's consistency and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that have defined his career.

Moments like these are ones to be cherished. Djokovic is the last player standing from the 'Big Three' era. It has taken the retirements of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for some to realize how special Djokovic is and how lucky we are to have him. The departure of these two legends from the has shifted the narrative around Djokovic, allowing fans and analysts to appreciate his unique contributions to without the overshadowing presence of his contemporaries.

Beyond Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's generational rivalry, the ATP Tour struggles to have players challenging for the majors or to cut through and captivate the wider public. Djokovic's continued presence at the top of the game is crucial for maintaining interest in men's , as he represents a link to a golden era of the . His ability to compete against younger players like Sinner and Alcaraz, who are seen as the future of , adds an exciting dynamic to the current landscape of the .

Djokovic is the one still taking it to the youngsters. He beat Sinner at the Australian Open in Melbourne and took a set off Alcaraz in the final. These victories demonstrate not only his skill but also his strategic acumen in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of younger players. He has done what others cannot - beaten both players in recent years, despite them in theory having youth, power, and speed on their side. This ability to outmaneuver opponents who are physically more gifted is a testament to Djokovic's experience and tactical intelligence.

Asked afterwards if he is surprised by his level, Djokovic said: "Yes and no. I guess yes, at this stage that I'm still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me, that I'm able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. In a sense, it is really a nice surprise. But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself. I can be very self-critical, very hard on myself. But I try to enjoy the moments like this." This self-reflection showcases Djokovic's introspective nature, as he balances the pressures of competition with the joy of achievement.

The question now is how much will his efforts cost him against Sinner in the semi-finals. Last year, Djokovic fell late in his quarter-final and his movement was hindered for the rest of the tournament. This serves as a reminder of the physical toll that extended matches can take on an athlete's body, especially as they age. Sinner, who had an elbow injury of his own, took advantage, and won in straight sets. This previous encounter adds an element of intrigue to their upcoming match, as both players have faced their own physical challenges.

Afterwards, Djokovic said the reality of age and injuries had "hit me right now, the last year and a half, like never before." This candid admission reflects the universal struggle of aging athletes, who must confront the limitations of their bodies while striving to maintain peak performance. He reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year, and had a niggle in each match. At this year's Australian Open, he benefited from a walkover and a mid-match retirement on his way to the semi-finals, where he beat Sinner. These circumstances highlight the unpredictability of tournament play and the varying fortunes that can affect an athlete's path to success.

But the five-set match against Sinner caught up with Djokovic in the final against Alcaraz and he faded after a dominant first set. This observation underscores the impact that previous matches can have on an athlete's performance in subsequent rounds, particularly in a grueling tournament setting. Djokovic will have two days to recover - but regardless, he has played the longest match of the tournament so far, while his opponent has not dropped a set in the past four rounds. This discrepancy raises questions about the physical and mental toll that Djokovic may face in the upcoming match against Sinner.

"I don't know what tomorrow brings. I still want to go at least one more step further," Djokovic added. This statement reflects his determination and competitive spirit, as he remains focused on his goal of achieving yet another Grand Slam title. "But this was as good as a final for me. I gave it all that I had." Djokovic's acknowledgment of the effort he put into the match serves as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable performance, one that will be remembered as another chapter in the storied career of a legend.