Novak Djokovic 'still the man to beat' says Tim Henman despite off colour Australian Open run

Former world No. 4 Tim Henman expressed his opinion that Novak Djokovic is the "player to beat" in the 2024 season and praised the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on the Tour. The Briton highlighted that 'Nole' won three out of the four Grand Slams last year and downplayed his semifinal loss at the Australian Open to Sinner.

Despite the impressive performances from Alcaraz and the tremendous form Sinner is in, Djokovic still maintains the world No. 1 spot, making him the top contender for the season according to Henman.

Henman anticipates a significant rivalry between the 20-year-old Alcaraz and the 22-year-old Sinner, considering their youth and the years ahead of them: “If Alcaraz and Sinner stay injury-free, they’re going to play each other a lot in the biggest and best tournaments. To have these new rivals at such a young age with so many opportunities, that’s hugely exciting,” he told Sky Sports News.

‘Nole’ virtually has his position secured at the top until the clay season since he won't be defending points in the upcoming 'Sunshine Double.' Therefore, he'll have two consecutive Masters 1000 events where he can widen the gap with the world No. 2 Alcaraz, the defending champion at Indian Wells, and Sinner, the defending champion at the Miami Open.

“However, for me Djokovic is still the player to beat. He won three of the four majors last year. By his own admission he didn’t play well in the semi-finals of Melbourne but he’s still the man to beat.”

The former tennis player highlighted Jannik Sinner's level in Melbourne and predicted that he will win many more Grand Slams: “Sinner’s performance in Australia was absolutely fantastic and for me that was a continuation.

“There’s no doubt he was the most improved player of 2023 and then to be able to take that form into 2024 and win his first Grand Slam title was an incredible achievement, and for Sinner, it will be the first of many; he’s that good.”

Jannik Sinner's next challenge will be at the Rotterdam Open, where he defends last year's final and it will be his last tournament before heading to the United States for the Sunshine Double.