Novak Djokovic Praises Roger Federer, Says Age Has Not Slowed Down The 17-Time Swiss Grand Slam Champion

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after losing a point during his men's singles semi-final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 11, 2014. REUTERS/Aly Song — Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after losing a point during his men's singles semi-final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 11, 2014. Reuters

Years of competing in professional sports normally wears away a person's athletic ability. But Novak Djokovic is impressed how fellow tennis player Roger Federer has not slowed down despite playing professional tennis for 16 years since turning pro in 1998.

In a recent interview, Djokovic said that the 33-year-old Basel native's tennis performance has not declined with age. Djokovic was crushed in straight sets by Federer, 6-4, 6-4, in the semifinals of the 2014 Shanghai Rolex Masters. Federer eventually came victorious in the China tournament where Djokovic was a two-time defending champion.

According to Djokovic, Federer is "playing as good as ever." "I think age does not really matter in this case," the Serbian athlete added. Djokovic said that the semifinals match against the Swiss, who also ended his 28-match winning streak in China, has been one of the best matches that he had played against him.

Djokovic has met Roger Federer 36 times in official matches. Their first meeting was dated in 2006 at the Round 64 of the Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic lost to the Swiss athlete in their first battle, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. Federer continued to win over the Serbian in their four succeeding meetings later.

Djokovic won his first match against Federer in the finale of the 2007 Rogers Cup in Canada in an exhilarating three-setter, 7-6(2) 2-6 7-6(2). Federer leads their head-to-head 19-17.

Djokovic and Federer have played against each other 12 times in a Grand Slam tournament. The pair had met in the Australian Open three times, US Open five times, French Open once, and Wimbledon twice.

Both Djokovic and Federer are taking part in the BNP Paribas Masters, which will run from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 in Paris, France. Djokovic is the defending champion of the tournament. He had met and defeated Federer in the semifinals, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6. In the finale, Djokovic played against David Ferrer of Spain and beat the Spaniard in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5, ultimately winning the title.

(Source: YouTube/HighlightsTennis4u)