“I am ready to play my tennis again and I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys” : Novak Djokovic reveals that he will battle it out against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on the Grand Slam stage
You would think that after winning 24 Grand Slam titles, an Olympic Gold, and countless other ATP trophies would be enough to call it a day. But not in the slightest for Novak Djokovic, who plans out to head-to-head with the youngsters to claim more Grand Slams.
The Serbian will start a new chapter of his career next year as he teams up with head coach Andy Murray to retrieve the Grand Slam titles which he was unable to get his hands on this year, thanks to the sheer dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who beat him in the Australian Open and Wimbledon finals respectively.
Djokovic won three out of the four Grand Slams back in 2023 before his current drought this year, which makes it the first time since 2017 that the Serbian failed to secure even a single Grand Slam in a year.
In a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serbian addressed that he will challenge Sinner, Alcaraz and Zverev provided he is fit physically and mentally.
“I feel I can still play at the highest level. Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the two best players in the world, not to forget (Alexander) Zverev,”
“All of them will be the main candidates to win the Slams and other titles. However, physically and mentally I am ready to play my tennis again and I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys, my experience can come in handy.” Djokovic said.
The Serbian also confirmed that he will do his best in order to play more matches and tournaments, as one of the main reasons for his slip-ups this year was his knee injury which led him to skip and even forfeit many tournaments.
“So next year I will play more tournaments and the Grand Slams will be my priority. I will give my best to win, of course if my body allows me to,”
Djokovic, who has now gone to the world no.7 ranking, was asked if he would give any solid advice to world no.1 Jannik Sinner after his successes this year winning eight titles which includes two Grand Slams. The Serbian admitted that time will tell if he can keep up with this kind of consistency.
“It seems to me that he is doing well even without my advice. But winning your first two Slams and becoming No. 1 is one thing, staying at that level for years is another.” the 37-year-old explained.
With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal retired and Andy Murray becoming his own coach, only Djokovic is left from the previous era’s golden generation, as he does not want to give the crown to the youngsters just yet. The Serbian looks to extend his record and win Grand Slam no.25 as the Australian Open commences on January 12.
