Slot opens up on Djokovic inspiration – ‘Only given to a few’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says the remarkable longevity of Novak Djokovic is “only given to a few” as he reflected on the ageless performances of the Serbian great at the 2026 Australian Open.
Djokovic, 38, has turned in some superhuman performances over the years, but his semi-final epic victory over Jannik Sinner in Melbourne was up there with the very best of them, a herculean effort to oust the defending champion and a man that had beaten him on the last five occasions.It was even more remarkable given Djokovic had appeared down and out in the quarter-finals before an injury to Lorenzo Musetti left the Serbian able to advance – and how he has capitalised on that good fortune, with only Carlos Alcaraz now standing between him and a record 25th Grand Slam, a feat never before achieved by any male or female tennis player.With Alcaraz, at the other end of the age scale, bidding to become the youngest-ever man to complete the ‘career Grand Slam’ – winning all four majors – it promises to be an unmissable clash on Sunday morning UK time, with every point live on TNT Sports and discovery+.In a bumper weekend of sporting action, Liverpool hosting Newcastle in Saturday’s late kick-off (20:00 UK time) will also be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Ahead of that meeting, Slot – a dedicated follower of sports outside football – recalled how Djokovic has at times featured in his own managerial methods.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre as Djokovic was taking on Sinner, Slot told TNT Sports: “You need to have so much respect for a sportsman like him.
“Being on the top level for years is only given to a few, but the amount of years he’s now at the top level…I think he’s played almost every Grand Slam semi-final in the last few years, at his age…with all due respect.
“I, we, are fortunate to be in the era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when it comes to football.
“To be in the era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic has been a privilege to watch every single time, and that he’s still part of it, that also tells you.
“Earlier in the interview we spoke about Mo [Salah], about what it takes to be every few days at the top level for such a long time, and Djokovic is a great example for that.
“Sometimes in the past I’ve used moments of him, either when he’s talking, or clips of his tennis games in meetings I’ve had with my former clubs.”
Djokovic and Ronaldo recently shared the stage at the Globe Soccer Awards, where Djokovic picked up the Globe Sportsman of the Year award, while Ronaldo, 40, collected the Middle East Player of the Year gong.
Speaking about the Serbian great, Ronaldo said: “For me, he’s an example. When you have people as examples, the awards come by themselves.
“His longevity, we have a similar story. I think he deserves it because he’s a great example for this generation, the old generation, the generation that’s going to come.”
‘I couldn’t be happier’ – Ronaldo presents Djokovic with Globe Sportsman of the Year award
Video credit: TNT Sports
Djokovic sent admiration back Ronaldo’s way, saying that the Portuguese legend drives him to achieve more.
“When I wake up in the morning at 38 and I try to find motivation after playing the highest level of professional tennis for more than 20 years,” Djokovic said.
“Your body is aching and you’re questioning whether you want to keep going, you see the example of Cristiano and what he’s been trying to do.
“There’s a lot of similarities and parallels we can draw. We are not part of the same sport, but we push each other, that’s how it feels.
“We are showing future generations that there’s no limit. The level of dedication, love, and passion for the game really builds an unbreakable motivation, and transcends your sport. Something that touches younger people’s hearts that are dreaming to become like you one day.
“Standing here with him and talking about love for the game sends an incredible message to kids around the world.
“We want to see them play tennis or football or any other sport that can lead them to a healthier, better life. I’m proud to be standing here with him on stage.”