Novak Djokovic Nears Roger Federer’s 37+ Record After Stunning Australian Open Run

Once more, Novak Djokovic has succeeded. He is still competing for major titles at an age when most tennis players slow down or retire. The Serbian star demonstrated to the world that he is far from done at the Australian Open. He advanced to another final and came within one step of breaking a unique record that his fiercest opponent, Roger Federer, had previously held. Djokovic continues to demonstrate his rightful place at the top, even at the age of 38.

A Powerful Run in Melbourne

For Djokovic, the Australian Open has frequently felt like home. There, he has won the title numerous times. He made another deep run this year.

Djokovic upset the up-and-coming player Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. The victory made a strong statement. There is still fire in the old champion. The audience witnessed deft maneuvers, powerful serves, and crisp returns. Djokovic focused calmly while playing.

In Melbourne, he advanced to his eleventh title match. That figure alone demonstrates how unique he is on this occasion.

He faced world champion Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match. The youthful Spaniard engaged in daring tennis. It took Alcaraz just over three hours to win the match 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic came in second place.

However, the narrative outweighed the loss. What he accomplished by making it to that final was the true tale.

Getting closer to Federer’s record

In May 2024, Djokovic turned 37. He has since advanced to seven ATP finals. It is not common. quite uncommon.

Just nine players have made it to an ATP final after turning 37 since the ATP Tour’s inception in 1990. At that age, competing at that level is difficult. Today’s sport is forceful and swift. Matches are difficult and lengthy.

After 37, several well-known players made it to the final. It was Feliciano Lopez. Stan Wawrinka did the same. Rafael Nadal also succeeded. Adrian Mannarino and John Isner each made it to the final.

Even better was Gael Monfils. After 37, he advanced to two finals.

Ivo Karlovic accomplished a remarkable feat by reaching five finals.

At the top of the list, however, are two names that are frequently associated: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

After turning 37, Roger Federer advanced to eight ATP finals. He had a great 2019 season, which included six of those. Early in 2020, he was unable to add further due to an injury. He remained at eight.

Djokovic is now only one final away from him. He is now seven years old. Another will equal Federer’s record. Another two will propel him forward.

Winning Despite Being 38

Djokovic is more than just making it to the finals. He is also winning.

He has won three ATP titles from seven finals since May 2024. This contains a significant prize: the gold medal from the Olympic Games in Paris. It was a unique gold medal. One of the few major titles he did not have during his career was this one. That victory fulfilled another desire of his.

Djokovic also took home the ATP 250 titles in Geneva and Athens last year. At the Miami Open, he advanced to the final but lost.

These victories demonstrate that he is playing for more than simply fun. His goal is to win.

A Season That Makes a Statement

It was Djokovic’s 17th season with a Major final at the Australian Open. That is a remarkable figure. It indicates that in 17 separate years, he has advanced to at least one Grand Slam final.

Not many players throughout history can say that.

As they age, many players experience a decline in their level. They slow down. Their bodies ache more. It takes longer to recover.

Djokovic has figured out a method to get beyond that.

He carefully controls his physique. He organizes his timetable. To keep himself fresh, he skips some tournaments. He appears prepared when he takes the court for the major competitions.

This is evident in his recent form. He is in the top three in the world rankings despite being close to 39.

That is not typical. It is not typical. Greatness is that.

The Shifting Guard

By the time Djokovic was a teenager, he was playing against kids; he was 15 or 16 when several of his opponents were born.

Take a moment to consider that.

He faces competition from a younger generation. These youthful athletes hit the ball with force. They move quickly. They grew up watching him on television.

Djokovic continues to find solutions, though. He reads the game. He adapts. He maintains his composure under pressure.

Hhasis witnessed everything. He has performed on all major stages. That experience counts.

Many of his former opponents have retired, but Djokovic continues to compete. Roger Federer is no longer involved. Late in his career, Rafael Nadal has struggled with injuries. Andy Murray has had trouble staying fit.

Djokovic is the only member of the exclusive group. He continues to compete for the largest prizes.

A Renaissance in Late Careers

Some believed that he had outlived his prime. They were mistaken.

Over the past year, Djokovic has demonstrated a late-career boom. He might not perform each week. He competes with heart and belief, though, when he plays.

His victory over Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-final showed that he is still capable of defeating the greatest. Sinner is among the world’s best young players. Djokovic, however, managed to withstand the pressure and advance to another final.

He put up a strong fight, even against Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Despite losing in four sets, he persisted. He persisted to the very end.

He is unique in part because of that conflict.

Revisiting History

Records have always been the focus of Djokovic’s career. most Grand Slam victories. most weeks at the top.The majority of master’s titles.

In front of him now is another record.

He needs one more match to tie Roger Federer’s record of eight ATP finals after the age of 37. It seems feasible at his level right now. Perhaps even probable.

He will have opportunities if he continues to play this way. There are still many competitions to come. Large phases are still awaiting.

Djokovic has also demonstrated his interest in retracing history.

The Key to His Achievement

Why does he continue?

Discipline is a component. Djokovic works out a lot. He has rigorous routines. He looks after his body.

Mentality plays a part. He thinks he can prevail. He does not consider himself old, even when playing against younger guys.

When necessary, he modifies his approach. He blends attack and defense. He employs smart shots. When he can, he keeps his points brief.

He is aware that speed is no longer his sole option. As a result, he thinks more.

He stays ahead because he combines talent and knowledge.

What Happens Next?

The tennis season lasts a long time. Additional tests will be conducted. The contests will be difficult. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are younger, will continue to make progress.

However, Djokovic has demonstrated that he is not prepared to retire.

Another record is almost upon him. In a particular category, he is on the verge of surpassing his former competitor once more.

The world’s fans are watching. Now, every game seems to be a part of the past.

Is he going to tie Federer? Is he going to pass him?

The answer might be forthcoming if the Australian Open run is any indication.

An Ongoing Legacy

The tale of Novak Djokovic is far from over. He continues to add chapters at the age of 38.

Since turning 37, he has advanced to seven ATP finals. Only one individual has gone above and beyond. It is Roger Federer.

Djokovic, however, is right there. A single stride away.

He continues to stand tall in a sport that is becoming increasingly powerful every year. He continues to battle. He still prevails.

And records will continue to tremble as long as he takes the court.

To Novak Djokovic, age is merely a numerical value. The pursuit continues.