American icon Andy Roddick has recently shared his thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s major feats and how the excellence of a top-notch athlete is often taken for granted once they consistently perform at an elite level. Further shedding light on one of the superstars of the NBA, LeBron James. The Serbian legend concluded his 2025 season by winning the Hellenic Championship and had qualified for the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals, which marked his record-tying 18th qualification.
Andy Roddick Reflects on the Greatness Achieved by Novak Djokovic
During the recent episode of “Served with Andy Roddick,” along with journalist L. Jon Wertheim and producer Mike Hayden, the Hall of Famer expressed his views on how consistent high-level success is often taken as granted by individuals, lessening their appreciation for elite athletes who are achieving such major feats at later stages of their career.
While highlighting the unprecedented accomplishments achieved by Novak Djokovic in his 2025 season at the age of 38 and by LeBron James, who is playing his 23rd NBA season at the age of 40, Roddick reflected that their achievements should always be valued.
He shared, “We tend to in sports to take greatness for granted, right? Last week, LeBron comes back after not having played for a month and then he didn’t play and then has 12 assists that night. Like, that’s absurd. At his 23rd NBA season, coming out knowing how to be the best version of himself.”
Roddick continued, as the four-time NBA Champion is playing impressively well despite his age, “Is he the same guy that he was 20 years ago? Does he have the same athleticism? Does he have the same toolbox? No.”
Taking LeBron’s example, Roddick further added that the winner of 101 ATP singles titles, including 24 major titles, is reaching new heights in the sport of tennis. The legendary player at 38 had reached the semifinal stage of the 2025 Australian Open. At the tournament, he had surpassed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal round and retired in his semifinal round against Alexander Zverev.
He shared, “That’s what we are seeing with Novak (Djokovic). Four semi-finals of Grand Slams a year. Remember what a big deal we made about and rightfully so about Connor’s run in 91 to the semis to one semi-final. Novak did it. He’s a year younger, year and a half, and did it four times this year. Beating Alcaraz in this match. We just need to not take it for granted. You watch, and it’s like ‘Well, he’s not moving as well’, no s***, he’s almost 40, obviously.”
At the French Open, Djokovic faced defeat at the hands of Sinner. Once again, he had lost the Wimbledon Championships semifinal to the Italian star, who would eventually become the champion. At the US Open, eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated him in the semifinal round.