Novak Djokovic, 36, and Rohan Bopanna, 44, both champions, defied the odds and proved age is just a number with their No. 1 singles and doubles crowns in ATP rankings history. On Sunday, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer to become the oldest world No. 1 in ATP Rankings history, while Bopanna leads the ATP Doubles Rankings. “It's not really balanced. It's not 50-50. He's bringing more years to the 80s. But I think we're still strong,” Djokovic said in a video shared by ATP Tour on X.
“Old is gold.” ????
Words of wisdom from the oldest number 1 singles and doubles in the history of the PIF ATP rankings ????@DjokerNole ???? @rohanbopanna pic.twitter.com/KYR7QsDiKz
— ATP tour (@atptour) April 8, 2024
Sharing words of wisdom, the duo said “experience trumps” and added that tennis offers a variety of valuable lessons
“I would say experience, but also still dedicated and committed to the game every day. I see him countless hours in the gym, also in physio a little more often than before. But it's great to share the Tour with you for so many years and what an incredible moment to be the oldest No. 1 in singles and doubles at the same time,” Djokovic said.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion hopes to achieve something in India soon so they can play there.
“It's great for Serbian tennis and Indian tennis and hopefully we can do something in India soon, we can play there. I'm really looking forward to it. It's great. We're old, but we're gold!” said Djokovic.
On the other hand, the Serbian enters the Monte-Carlo Masters this season with an 8-3 record and has struggled at times, bowing out in the semifinals at the Australian Open and the third round at Indian Wells .
Since winning his second title in Monte Carlo in 2015, Djokovic has failed to progress past the quarter-finals in his last seven appearances at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The top seed, chasing his first championship of the season, will expect a fast start against Roman Safiullin or a qualifier.
Meanwhile, Bopanna and Matthew Ebden lead the doubles table as they aim for their third win of the season after winning the Australian Open and the Miami Open.
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