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A Former ATP Tour standout has issued a stark warning to Novak Djokovic, claiming the Serbian legend’s attempts to “cheat time” may accelerate his exit from the sport’s elite. Djokovic, fresh off a turbulent 2024 season marked by injury setbacks and a five-Slam title drought, faces mounting physical challenges as he approaches his 38th birthday.
Despite a gritty Australian Open quarterfinal win over Carlos Alcaraz earlier this year, his recent third-round exit in Qatar and recurring fitness woes have fueled doubts. As Djokovic gears up for Indian Wells, the question looms: Can he defy Father Time?
Tennis star's grim prognosis for Djokovic’s future
Dmitry Tursunov, a former world No. 20 and seasoned coach, didn’t mince words when assessing Novak Djokovic’s trajectory.
“His own body is now his greatest opponent,” he told SportKlub. “No matter how he plans to cheat time, ‘tennis death’ will await him.” The Russian emphasized that while Djokovic’s motivation remains intact, the physical toll of the sport spares no one. “In tennis, you lose the feeling of immortality much faster than in other sports,” Tursunov added, hinting at the fleeting nature of success in a youth-driven game.
The warning comes as Djokovic prepares for a potential Indian Wells quarterfinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament’s two-time defending champion. Though Djokovic edged the Spaniard at the 2024 Paris Olympics and this year’s Australian Open, Tursunov remains skeptical.
“Djokovic is in a very difficult situation; his chances are slim if he faces Carlos Alcaraz,” he cautioned.
Injury Woes and the Alcaraz Factor: A Perfect Storm
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. After retiring mid-match against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne due to injury, he suffered a surprising straight-sets defeat to Matteo Berrettini in Doha. His recent withdrawal from the Miami Open further underscored concerns about his durability. Now ranked No. 7, Djokovic’s Indian Wells return—a tournament he hasn’t won since 2016—pits him against Botic van de Zandschulp first, but Alcaraz looms large as the projected quarterfinal opponent.
The Spaniard, 21, represents more than a tactical challenge; he embodies the relentless pace of the Next Gen. Alcaraz’s explosive style contrasts sharply with Novak Djokovic’s strategic mastery, and their head-to-head battles have become a litmus test for the Serb’s staying power. While Djokovic leads their overall rivalry 4-3, each meeting increasingly hinges on his ability to withstand Alcaraz’s physicality.
Can Novak Djokovic rewrite the script?
Djokovic’s legacy as a 24-time Slam champion and Indian Wells co-record holder (five titles) is untouchable. Yet, his recent struggles—coupled with Tursunov’s grim outlook—paint a precarious picture. The Serb’s hiatus from Indian Wells between 2019 and 2024, followed by a shock 2024 loss to lucky loser Luca Nardi, suggests the desert courts may no longer be his fortress.
As fans debate whether Novak Djokovic can channel his famed resilience to silence doubters, Tursunov’s words linger: “Previous achievements are quickly forgotten.” For the aging star, the path forward demands not just skill, but a body willing to cooperate.
