"For Novak, age doesn’t matter," Khachanov discusses Djokovic after their exhibition match

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Adrien Guyot

le 29/06/2025 à 07h49

1 min to read

Djokovic Khachanov Wimbledon

Just before Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic and Karen Khachanov took part in an exhibition match at Hurlingham. On the British grass, as part of a final rehearsal before the start of Wimbledon, the two players put on a great show.

In the end, the Russian won in straight sets (7-6, 6-4) against the 38-year-old Serb, who hasn’t played a single tournament on the surface this year. On the court after the match, both players were interviewed, and Khachanov spoke about Djokovic’s longevity.

While the world No. 19 will open his tournament against Mackenzie McDonald, the seven-time Wimbledon champion will face Alexander Muller. The 24-time Grand Slam winner, who hasn’t played since his semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros, doesn’t need an adjustment period on grass, according to Khachanov.

"The grass season is always short. I’ve played several tournaments on the surface, but Novak (Djokovic) didn’t need to. He’s always ready. For Novak, age is just a number and doesn’t matter.

I’d say his ambition is to play at least until 2032," joked Khachanov, after facing Djokovic in this exhibition match just days before the start of Wimbledon, for Tennis World Italia.