Novak Djokovic hopes that a third player can join Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the top of the sport for the years ahead. The former world No. 1 went head-to-head with tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal earlier in his illustrious career. Sinner and Alcaraz have both enjoyed superb seasons, drawing comparisons with tennis’ fabled ‘Big Four’.
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Novak Djokovic hopes a player can follow in his footsteps and become the third member of a rivalry featuring Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic went toe-to-toe with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for much of his career, creating one of the most closely contested three-way battles in the history of the sport.
Djokovic insists he would emphathise with any player who wants to enter the fight after his experiences on the court with Federer and Nadal.
“I think their rivalry is without a doubt, the best one we have at the moment,” he said. “It looks like it is going to stay like that for some time.
“Then you have other young players that are definitely going to challenge and hopefully someone can get in the mix.
“There are players that are able to have that joker spot, that third spot. I kind of empathise with the third guy, because I was in those shoes with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.”
Djokovic will get his 2025 US Open campaign underway at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday when he takes on the USA’s own Learner Tien.
The former world No. 1 is still in the hunt for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, and he insists that he is priroitising that over his position in the rankings.
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“I am not chasing the rankings or building up my points, I just don’t think about it anymore,” he said. “For me, it is really about where I find motivation and joy, where I am inspired to play the best tennis.
“Where do I care to be really, and play. Grand Slams are the four tournaments where I feel the most motivation. I don’t have a schedule other than the Grand Slams.
“I kind of feel in the moment what I want to do and how I want to balance things out with the other priorities in life. Family being of course the main one, and being there for the important dates.”
