As fellow veterans of the tennis world, how do the careers of Djokovic and Federer differ despite being contemporaries?

Federer remained highly competitive late in his career, as shown by his achievements post-35. Djokovic, also beyond 35, continues to compete fiercely; both are enduring icons in tennis.

Federer’s 2019 Wimbledon final marked the final chapter in his pursuit of Grand Slam titles. At the crucial moment of 40-15 in the final set, the crowd was poised to cheer. However, Djokovic held his ground firmly, shattering Federer’s Wimbledon dreams…

Between 2017 and 2018, after nearly five years without a Grand Slam title, Federer claimed two Australian Open trophies and one Wimbledon crown. These were the last three of his 20 Grand Slam titles. At that time, Djokovic was struggling with wrist injury treatment and recovery. This demonstrated that even between ages 35 and 38, Federer was the strongest player aside from Djokovic (excluding clay courts)! He truly is a tennis evergreen.

After capturing the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open in 2023, Djokovic finally overcame the intense challenges he faced in 2022. At 36 years old, if anyone thought they could forcibly hold him back from surpassing Federer and Nadal’s Grand Slam records, they severely underestimated Djokovic’s unwavering determination and refusal to yield. Meanwhile, Federer’s external conditions were always favorable, with support rather than obstacles.

Perhaps starting in 2024, Djokovic began to "let loose"? Or is he facing the reality of aging against the young talents Sinner and Alcaraz?

Djokovic’s Grand Slam results for 2023-2024:

In the 2025 season, Djokovic’s performance remained strong, reaching the semifinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments:

Won against Alcaraz at the Australian Open but lost to Zverev.

Lost to Sinner at the French Open.

Lost to Sinner at Wimbledon.

Lost to Alcaraz at the US Open.

The former evergreen Federer faced a main rival six years younger, Djokovic. Now, the evergreen Djokovic faces much younger opponents, Sinner and Alcaraz, who are 14 to 16 years his junior.

This highlights the different challenges faced by Federer after 35 and Djokovic after 35. It’s hard to imagine Djokovic having opportunities like Federer did in 2017-2018. Federer only had Djokovic ahead of him, whereas Djokovic faces the dual challenge of Sinner and Alcaraz…

In the 2026 season, Djokovic will be approaching 39. This year, he defeated American player Learner Chen, born in 2006, at the US Open. Next year, Learner Chen will be a year older and improving competitively; Djokovic will also age another year, but his physical condition will not improve. Sinner and Alcaraz will also age by one year—Sinner at 25 is in his prime tennis years; Alcaraz at 23 is maturing while retaining his explosiveness.

This is the challenge that lies ahead for Djokovic.

[Look at me][Look at me][Look at me][Give myself a flower][Give myself a flower][Give myself a flower]

#Djokovic#​#Federer#​#Sinner#​#Alcaraz#​