Andrea Petkovic thinks Novak Djokovic silenced his critics big time during the Australian Open as the 2014 French Open semifinalist believes the Serb proved to everyone that he still got it.
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Going into the 2025 season, it wasn't a secret that the narrative was that the 37-year-old lost a step and that he couldn't compete anymore against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
But then, the current world No. 7 pulled off an impressive comeback win over the Spaniard in the Australian Open quarterfinal although he battled a left leg injury.
Before retiring injured against Alexander Zverev in the semifinal, Djokovic also competed extremely well and lost the first set only through a tight tie-break.
Whoever doubts Novaks tennis ever again whether Novaks 37 years old or 55 years old should from this day forth be punished with perpetual silence," Petkovic wrote on her Substack.
"Yes, Im talking about myself . Its not that I ever doubted the quality of tennis necessarily, its just that I couldnt quite believe he would be able to retain enough explosiveness to hang with the young guys."
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Petkovic: Djokovic still has it
Before beating Alcaraz, the former world No. 1 also beat a couple of rising stars - Nishvesh Basavereddy, Jaime Faria, Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka.
Novak still has it and I would argue for three matches (Machac, Lehecka and Alcaraz) he played better than ever," the former world No. 9 added.
"He was still the same consistent percentage player who never misses but conscious of his age he hit the ball bigger and changed directions more frequently, yet still undetectable for the opposing side."
Although Djokovic's run at Melbourne Park came to an end in an unfortunate way, it was definitely positive for the Serb how he was able to play.
And he himself probably feels that he would have had a great shot at the title if not for the unfortunate injury.
