Djokovic cherishes his twilight years, devoted to the game and fans' affection

Shortly after defeating Dan Evans in straightforward fashion on Centre Court to reach the third round of the tournament for a record 19th time, Novak Djokovic encountered a familiar face in the hallway on his way to his next match.

"Good day at work?" Gaël Monfils asked with a grin, as seasoned players often do. The Frenchman lingered before heading to Court 18 and a far smaller crowd, adding, "At our age, we need days like this."

Djokovic returned the smile. They share the same mindset, walking similar paths, even if their goals differ. Both are 38 and still formidable opponents in any competition. "Of course, it's great," the seven-time champion said after his near-flawless victory over Evans. "You want to keep performing this way."

In his prime, the question would have been about who posed the greatest threat in the later rounds—especially as the world’s top player. Now, even with an astonishing 19 of the 32 seeded players eliminated in the first week, the discussion has shifted. The focus, whether fair or not, has turned to how much longer he can maintain this standard.

Djokovic understands what people are wondering—and he often addresses it first. After another strong win on Centre Court, he playfully engaged the crowd. "Thanks for coming," he said, pausing for laughter. He joked that he might soon be enjoying a drink or two on a beach with his retired friends, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. More laughter followed.

It’s a persona he has carefully crafted over the years, theatrical yet slightly exaggerated. Later, he admitted, "I don’t know why I said margaritas—I’ve never had one in my life. But I guess it sounded good."

Though his tennis can appear ruthlessly efficient and his comments polished, he remains deeply emotional. He loves the sport and craves appreciation. His lighthearted remark on Centre Court resonated with fans who came to be entertained. Yet, full-hearted adoration hasn’t always come easily. Other legends, like the two he joked about sharing drinks with, have often been more celebrated.

When he lost a gripping 2021 US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, the rare and overwhelming support from the typically tough New York crowd moved him to tears between games. "I didn’t expect it," he later said. "The love and energy from the crowd—I’ll never forget it."

That kind of recognition is what keeps him competing, even when his body suggests it's time to rest. Last year, he made the final against Carlos Alcaraz just weeks after knee surgery—hardly ideal for recovery, but he pressed on.

Despite being in strong shape physically and mentally, his future remains unpredictable. For now, he continues to defy expectations, match after match.