How long can Novak remain in his prime form?

[El Dude]

I think Novak will last longer than Rafa, but not as long as Roger - as far as playing at a high, "post-peak plateau", level. So if we can say from Roger:

ROGER
Peak age: 22-28 (2004-2009)
Plateau age: 28-35? (2010-16?)

RAFA
Peak: 22-27 (2008-2013)
Plateau: 28-31? (2014-17?)

NOVAK:
Peak: 23-29? (2011-17?)
Plateau: 29-33? (2017-21?)

Or something like that.

 

[britbox]

Novak had the toughest apprenticeship that money could buy in the slipstream of two all time greats in Federer and Nadal.

That tough apprenticeship no doubt cost him titles in the past but it will win him a lot more here on in. He earned his stripes the hardest way. Nobody in the next generation has been able to hang onto the coat-tails and step up to that level or looks like doing so anytime soon. It will happen eventually but during Nole's decline. He's well placed to win a lot more in the next 3 years at least given that he stays healthy.

You knew in 2007 that Djokovic was going to challenge Federer and Nadal in due course... Can you say the same about any players in the immediate generation below Novak? Not really, right now.

 

[Federberg]

I think Novak will last longer than Rafa, but not as long as Roger - as far as playing at a high, "post-peak plateau", level. So if we can say from Roger:

ROGER
Peak age: 22-28 (2004-2009)
Plateau age: 28-35? (2010-16?)

RAFA
Peak: 22-27 (2008-2013)
Plateau: 28-31? (2014-17?)

NOVAK:
Peak: 23-29? (2011-17?)
Plateau: 29-33? (2017-21?)

Or something like that.

I think Rafa's peak years started earlier than 22! :blush: