No. 1s Djokovic and Bopanna share the success motto “old is gold.”

Experience is important to Rohan Bopanna, but unwavering devotion to the game is necessary for Novak Djokovic to succeed on the difficult ATP Tour. The two oldest world No. 1s in singles and doubles had a lighthearted conversation at the Monte Carlo Masters.

In the singles rankings, Djokovic, 36, overtook Roger Federer to become the oldest player to occupy the top spot. Bopanna, 44, was already the oldest player to hold the top spot in the world in the doubles rankings.

As they got ready for the big competition, the ATP Tour got the two of them together for a little chat. “We can learn so many amazing things from tennis. In an ATP footage that was uploaded, Bopanna said to Djokovic, “Experience wins and that is where I got it.”

The Serbian retorted that experience is not the only factor. “Experience, along with a daily dedication to the game, is what I would say. It is fantastic to have enjoyed the tour with you for so many years, even if I see him (Bopanna) in the gym for endless hours and also spend a little more time with the physiotherapist than previously. Being the oldest number in both singles and doubles is such an amazing feeling. The 24-time Major champion remarked, “It is fantastic for Indian and Serbian tennis. Djokovic said, “We are old but gold,” and he bid the group farewell with a namaste.