Vodafone, Official Connectivity Partner of Wimbledon, is working with Tim Henman to inspire the next generation of tennis players through Play Your Way To Wimbledon
Vodafone, Official Connectivity Partner of Wimbledon, is working with Tim Henman to inspire the next generation of tennis players through Play Your Way To Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic completed his final tennis dream when he claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games – but is that the end of his tennis story?
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has long since ended the debate over who will finish their career as the greatest player of all-time statistically, as his long-running battle with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal has been won.
Now that he has the Olympic gold medal he was so desperate to win for his beloved Serbia, some have suggested Djokovic’s desire to push for more glory in tennis may wane quickly at the age of 37.
Djokovic has openly admitted that he has been struggling for motivation for much of 2024 and he has suffered some surprising defeats in matches that were clearly not inspiring him to perform at his best.
There was a feeling that he was staying in the game to have one final crack at Olympic glory, so it would be natural for Djokovic to lose some of his desire to battle on when his last great goal has been achieved.
Yet former British No 1 Tim Henman has offered up a theory that will delight Djokovic fans, as he suggested the greatest winner in the history of the men’s game will set himself new goals as he counts down to the defence of his US Open title in New York.
Indeed, Henman floated the idea that Djokovic may be even more relaxed as he takes on his rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the final Grand Slam of 2024.
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“I just don’t think the way he works means he will think he has won the gold medal and that’s it,” Henman told Tennis365 at a Vodafone Play Your Way To Wimbledon event.
“He still has an enormous passion for the game. He loves what he does and if anything, it might go the other way.
“Winning the Olympics might free him up. He might think he has ticked all the boxes and I am playing with the house’s money now. He might go out and feel no pressure as he looks to win another major at the US Open.
“That might be dangerous for the rest because he will play with freedom and while he is fit and healthy, I definitely think he has more major titles in him.”
Henman went on to suggest Djokovic’s win against Alcaraz in the Paris 2024 final was one of his finest achievements, as he clinched his first title of 2024 in the event he wanted to win more than any other this year.
“To see what Novak did in Paris, I just think it was absolutely incredible,” stated Henman.
“Specifically what he did in that final against Alcaraz was one of the greatest performances of his career.
“Pressure is all self-inflicted, but Djokovic spoke how much that gold medal meant to him and realistically, even by his amazing standards, that was his last chance at the age of 37.
“To beat Alcaraz, who was the French Open and Wimbledon champion was absolutely phenomenal.”
Tim Henman spoke to Tennis365 at a Play Your Way To Wimbledon event
Tim Henman spoke to Tennis365 at a Play Your Way To Wimbledon event
Henman is backing Play Your Way To Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, a tournament that gives British players an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for the title at Wimbledon.
With the backing of Wimbledon and Britain’s LTA, this year’s event was the largest finals in the competition’s history due to the additional categories, which this year include a junior wheelchair pathway, as well as exhibitions of para standing and deaf tennis.
“Having the incentive of playing at Wimbledon in this Play Your Way To Wimbledon is such a great prize,” added Henman.
“The idea that young players can set out in this competition and end up playing at Wimbledon is fantastic and you can see what it means to all the players who get here to play on the grass.”