Novak Djokovic was asked how this dominant year compares to the dominant years when he played Federer, Nadal, & Murray: “It’s different bc the rivalries I had with these guys were so strong & solid. It was very high probability that I’d face either Roger, Rafa, or Andy in the…
(VIDEO) Djokovic: "Tennis is still in a good place", compares rivalries among Big Three to those of today
Tennis NewsTuesday, 12 September 2023 at 12:39
Following his commanding victory at the US Open, Novak Djokovic was asked to compare his rivalries with the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to those of today.
Djokovic stormed through the last Grand Slam of the year in New York to claim his 24th major title, equaling Margaret Court's record in the process. Along the way, the Serb only dropped two sets - both of these were against his compatriot Laslo Djere in the third round.
In the final, he ousted World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3. This was Djokovic's third Grand Slam victory this year after he achieved straight-set wins against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open and Casper Ruud at the French Open final.
However, he did suffer a shocking defeat at Wimbledon this year. Although he still made the final, he was unable to defend his title for a fifth consecutive year after Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious from their five-set battle to claim the second Grand Slam title of his young career.
Djokovic compares Big Three to Alcaraz
Following his incredible feat at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic was asked about how his year of dominance at majors compared to the dominant years when he faced Federer, Nadal, and Andy Murray.
"It’s different because the rivalries I had with these guys were so strong and solid. It was very high probability that I’d face either Roger, Rafa, or Andy in the finals of a Slam for most of those years when we were facing each other at the highest levels," he said.
He went on to add that although things were 'different' now, that didn't mean that men's singles tennis was in a bad place.
"Nowadays, that’s different. I don’t mind. I did play 3 epic matches with Alcaraz this year and I think that’s why there’s a discussion on the next rivalry. I said all I needed to say in a positive way about Carlos. I really do mean it. I think it’s great for our sport that we have another very good rivalry.
"I know he also has a great rivalry with Sinner. You have Rune. Of course, the generation of Zverev, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, these guys that are still top 5 and 10 in the world... tennis is still in a good place," he continued.
These comments come after Toni Nadal slammed the current generation of tennis, saying the sport was 'better' and 'more competitive' ten years ago. Djokovic has previously expressed his disagreement with these remarks, saying that every generation has champions.
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