Novak Djokovic highlights what is stopping Holger Rune from competing for titles with Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner

Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic believes that Denmark’s Holger Rune lacks a bit of ‘consistency’ compared to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner. The 37-year-old is often regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic is currently competing at Wimbledon 2024, where he has already booked his place in the fourth round after beating Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the round of 32 in a four-set contest with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6. With that win, the former world number one has now set up an intriguing fourth-round clash against Denmark’s Rune.

The world number 15 cemented his spot in the last 16 after beating France’s Quentin Halys in a five-set thrilling contest with a score of 1-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-1. While talking to the media ahead of the contest on Monday, Djokovic praised Rune and said he was ‘ready for big things’. The 24-time Grand Slam winner also highlighted what is keeping Rune separate from the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner but believes that he has all the qualities and work ethics to reach the very top in the near future.

“He’s always had a very good work ethic,” said Djokovic. “He’s been a very dedicated guy. Once he sees something is off, he’s going to go off on the practice court and work on it. That’s what I always loved about him. He’s probably lacking a bit more consistency with his results comparing to Alcaraz and Sinner, which are his generation. But he looks to me like a player who’s ready for big things.”

The contest on Monday will be the sixth meeting between the two players. In the previous five meetings, Djokovic has a slight advantage as he emerged victorious on three occasions and suffered two defeats in the process.