Novak
Djokovic spoke about the rivalry between
Jannik Sinner and
Carlos Alcaraz and
revealed what he would like to do after retirement. The 24-time Grand
Slam champion has often mentioned that he expects to play for several more
years and even said he wants to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games.
However, Nole’s plans may change, as he is already thinking
about his life after tennis, while highlighting the new generation of players,
like Sinner and Alcaraz, to take over from the Big-3.
Djokovic praises Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry
The recent gold medallist talked about the new challenges
that come with facing younger rivals. Alcaraz is 21 and Sinner 23, though
Djokovic didn’t forget other players who have consistently achieved great
results over the last five years.
“I think I belong to that old guard that maybe can't handle
the youth anymore. Changes are definitely coming, it's a natural process, and
it's been talked about for several years,”
Novak Djokovic said. “We have young
guys now, but we also have a generation that is in between, [Alexander] Zverev,
[Daniil] Medvedev, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas. These are all guys who either were or
are now in the top 10, Medvedev was number one.
“They will be around for a while with the younger ones.
However, I assume you mean Sinner and Alcaraz. Over the last 12 months, the two
have developed an incredible rivalry, and that's what's really catching
people's attention. People may not follow tennis as such, but everyone follows
great rivalries.”
Djokovic played the Shanghai Masters final against Jannik Sinner. The Italian won in straight sets.
The 37-year-old Serb mentioned that he has many interests
for after his career, ranging from business ventures to artistic skills. “I am
interested in many things,” he said. “I still want to learn to play the
saxophone, to really learn. A few years ago, I played decently for a while, but
then I became bad because I didn't practice enough and regularly.”
“I would like to learn to sing, to play some instruments.
Saxophone is number one, but I would like to learn to play the others as well.
I would like to learn and act in the theatre, I love the theatre. Theatre above
all, but I also like movies.”
“I prefer live interaction though. I love comedy and try to
pick up some tricks from friends who are actors. I would like to start
painting, drawing, and making things,” the world No. 4 added. “I'm also very
passionate about things related to health and recovery; I'm interested in
sports science, biotechnology... It's a big list of things that I'm interested
in, some of my investments are in those fields, and I'm trying, through
different partnerships, to develop brands.
“My team and I try to bring everything together to make a
group of strong brands. I would like to expand my brand beyond tennis, beyond
philanthropy, into the world of business, wellness, and more.”