Nice to play 90 minutes: Djokovic’s cheeky Messi joke goes viral after Wimbledon marathon

On a remarkable Tuesday night that belonged entirely to the resilience of two 39-year-old athletes, Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi gave the sporting world double masterclasses in longevity. Hours after Messi sparked Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta, Djokovic endured his own marathon on the SW19 lawns.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion survived the longest quarter-final in the history of the tournament, beat Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime during five hours and 15 minutes of grueling, high-octane tennis.

When reporters in London later invited Djokovic to reflect on the synchronicity of two global icons defying Father Time that same evening, the Serb offered a tongue-in-cheek, instantly memorable response: “It would be nice to play 90 minutes like him.”

On the surface, it was a classic piece of Djokovic wit, delivered with the slight charm of a man who has just booked his place in another semi-final. Nevertheless, beneath the humor hides a fascinating double interpretation that captures the different reality of modern top sport.

To take Djokovic literally is to understand the sheer physical toll of modern grassroots tennis. After five hours of brutal lateral movement on the fading grass on Center Court, the concept of a definitive 90-minute whistle must feel like utter luxury. In football, the clock is the absolute limit; in Grand Slam tennis, the limit is only found when one man breaks. Djokovic’s quackery was a nod to the grueling, open-ended nature of his craft, where one match can require physical performance in three consecutive football matches.

However, there is a deeper tactical appreciation embedded in his words. Playing 90 minutes like Messi is not just about duration; it is a sustained, calculated intensity. Messi’s genius, aged 39, relies on an economy of movement – he takes a moment to read the pitch before exploding into pockets of space with devastating accuracy.

For Djokovic, an athlete whose entire defensive prowess is built on constant movement and kinetic coverage, being able to command the game with such quiet bursts of high-intensity authority is the ultimate form of sportsmanship.

Triumphs in Atlanta and London were poetic reminders of what remains when the prime of youth fades. Facing an organized Egypt side that threatened historic misfortune, Messi relied on sheer footballing intellect and leadership to orchestrate Argentina’s escape. The defending champions ended up beating Egypt 3-2 to secure their place in the quarter-finals thanks to Messi’s assist and goal. Facing an opponent 14 years his junior who had a lush serve and younger lungs, Djokovic relied on tactical flexibility and immense mental strength to cross the finish line.

One we won’t forget for a long time

Enjoy highlights from Felix Auger-Aliassimo and Novak Djokovic’s quarter-final on Center Court. pic.twitter.com/O6mxuCItwY— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2026

Neither icon has anything to prove to their respective disciplines anymore. Their legacy was secured long before this Tuesday in July.

Still, with Djokovic packing his bags for the semi-finals and Messi focusing on the World Cup quarter-finals, they proved that greatness doesn’t go by birth certificate. Whether operating within the strict confines of 90 minutes or the endless drama of the fifth set, they remain the standard by which all others are measured.

– The end

Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

08 Jul 2026 11:55 IST