"It's not nice to call them kids": Novak Djokovic defends Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic responded to a journalist who referred to Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune as "kids" before their ATP Finals match.

The world No. 1 had to wait until the last minute to find out if he would advance to the ATP Finals semifinals. The Serbian secured a hard-fought victory over Holger Rune (7-6, 6-7, 6-3), lost to the local Jannik Sinner (5-7, 7-6, 6-7), and ultimately defeated the alternate Hubert Hurkacz (7-6, 4-6, 6-1). The final group match featured Rune and Sinner, with the Danish player vying for the opportunity to advance and potentially eliminate Djokovic. However, Sinner secured the top spot in the group by defeating Rune (6-2, 5-7, 6-4).

During the press conference after the Djokovic-Hurkacz match, a journalist asked the 24-times Grand Slam champion what he expected from the match between "kids." Djokovic did not appreciate the way the question was formulated.

“Talking about kids, I think the feeling that they are chasing you, these kids. Now is different compare this moment to the past (…) Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are very, very good and correct players. Which sort of battle do you expect tonight?,” the journalist asked.

“Well, I think it’s not nice to call them kids because they are not kids. They are above 18, so you’re officially not a kid anymore,” Djokovic started.

“The field is strong. I mean, the generation of Alcaraz, Rune, Sinner is very strong. It’s probably the three players that will carry this sport in the future but also in the present because they are right at the top of the game, all of them,” he added.

“Of course, it’s expected for young players to be hungry, to be motivated, and to constantly look for ways to improve, get stronger, faster, better, so they can beat the players, best players in the world, and clinch some, yeah, biggest trophies in the game.

The match ended in favor of Sinner, who now has four consecutive victories in the Finals after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals and reaching the tournament final. On Djokovic's side, he is in the semifinals and will be part of an eagerly anticipated clash against world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, aiming for the second spot in the tournament final.