Djokovic has scaled down his playing time considerably over recent seasons, tailoring his schedule to focus on the majors.
Moving clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of Grand Slam titles is the biggest ambition left in his mind.
His body is not, however, complying.
Djokovic might have defied logic to reach the semi-finals of all four majors this year, but a straight-set defeat by 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows was another example of his waning physical powers.
Alcaraz and 24-year-old Jannik Sinner have cleaned up the past seven major titles between them, having taken their games to a far superior level than anybody else on the ATP Tour.
“I can do only as much as I can do,” Djokovic said.
“It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner and Alcaraz in best-of-fives at Grand Slams.
“I think I have a better chance in best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough.
“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard. I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy at least.”
