Matteo Berrettini says Novak Djokovic has given him ‘goosebumps’ after ‘unbelievable’ moment recently

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Matteo Berrettini is in awe of what Novak Djokovic is still achieving in the latter stages of his career.

Now aged 37 Djokovic finally became Olympic champion after producing an excellent performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match.

He has claimed eight of his 24 Grand Slam titles since the start of the decade and 12 of them came after turning 30.

Novak Djokovic has beaten each of tennis’ top next generation stars and he is still competitive and a threat to win each tournament he enters.

With the US Open on the horizon, the Serbian is a top contender for what would be his 25th major and record-equalling fifth title at Flushing Meadows.

What does Matteo Berrettini think of Novak Djokovic?

Berrettini would have grown up watching Djokovic in his prime as he collected a plethora of titles and dominated at the top of the ATP rankings.

Since coming on tour, the Italian has had the opportunity to play against the former World number one on four occasions, and has yet to defeat him.

Their biggest matchup came in the 2021 Wimbledon final and though Berrettini won the first set, Djokovic prevailed in four sets.

During an appearance on Andy Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, the 28-year-old marvelled at what Djokovic is still able to produce this late in his career.

“Talking about Novak and what he achieved, it is unbelievable. I get goosebumps,” Berrettini said. “I don’t know how he does it. He’s a cyborg for the fact that at 37 he is playing at that level. It’s unbelievable.”

How long does Matteo Berrettini see himself playing tennis?

Over the years the average length of a tennis player’s career has significantly increased.

It was normal for players to hang up their racket once entering their thirties but now, mutliple players are competing into their mid-thirties or beyond.

Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are 37 and 38 respectively, while Roger Federer and Serena Williams retired in their forties.

When asked how long he sees himself playing, Berrettini said: “I don’t know if I’m still playing at 37. Looking at my history of injuries, I don’t know, but hopefully!

“I think the most important thing is playing when you feel it’s the right thing to do for you, I don’t like the thought of playing just because you don’t know what else to do.

“I think that’s something which happens quite a lot, especially when you have been playing your whole life. I just want to keep playing until it’s the right thing for me.”