“Kind of Benjamin Button”: ATP Finals Doubles Champion Wants to be Like Novak Djokovic

Frenchmen Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert are two of the most successful doubles team on the ATP Tour. The duo recently won their second ATP Finals title together in Turin, Italy, beating American Joe Salisbury and Englishman Rajeev Ram. Afterward, Herbert revealed how Mahut is looking to duplicate Novak Djokovic at 39 years of age.

In retrospect, the 30-year-old Herbert remembered his partner as “one of the guys that had no flexibility at all.” But now, things are turning around for Mahut as he has taken up yoga. More importantly, the veteran professional has his target set on arguably the fittest player in tennis, Novak Djokovic.

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Herbert names Novak Djokovic as Mahut’s fitness goal

Indeed, it becomes more and more challenging to compete in tennis with age. But in Mahut’s case, the clock is turning backward just as David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt.

“Nico is becoming a Yoga master. He was one of the guys that had no flexibility at all. Actually, he’s becoming — his goal is to Djokovic. He’s still on the path. But, yeah, he’s kind of Benjamin Button,” shared Herbert.

Sealed with an ace

The moment @nmahut & @p2hugz won the 2021 #NittoATPFinals Title! pic.twitter.com/4cfIUzCjmh

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 21, 2021

Unquestionably, the Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic has proved himself as one of the fittest athletes in the world. On the ATP Tour, he frequently gives the representation of the same.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 30, 2021 Serbia’a Novak Djokovic in action during his first round match against South Africa’s Kevin Anderson REUTERS/Toby Melville

But significantly, Djokovic’s fitness doesn’t rely only on exercise but his rigid diet too. Mainly, the 34-year-old has a plant-based diet and avoids daily entirely.

Considering Mahut’s age, it is incredible itself to compete and win on the ATP Tour. But he is passionate about tennis, and hence, he is making the right chances to extend her career’s length.

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Herbert and Mahut to travel to Australia, Djokovic still not confirm

Notably, Herbert and Mahut have completed the Career Slam together. In all, they have won five major titles in doubles as a team.

Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 21, 2021 France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut celebrate with the trophy after winning their doubles final match against Rajeev Ram of the U.S. and Britain’s Joe Salisbury REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Accordingly, the doubles stars will aim to find their next Slam at the Australian Open in January next year. As for Djokovic, he is still waiting for the update from Tennis Australia about the rules and regulations.

Fans hope that Djokovic will compete in Australia and get ahead in the Most Grand Slam titles race. Soon, there will be confirmation on whether the Serbian ace will play in Melbourne Park or not.

Will Djokovic end up with more Grand Slam titles than Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer?

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