Novak Djokovic is getting used to a very different role at this stage of his career. Unlike in the past, the Serbian legend is no longer the player to beat in every tournament of the professional tour. The former world number 1 has yet to win a title in 2024 and his only joy was the exceptional triumph at the Paris Olympics this summer.
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The 24-time Grand Slam champion has suffered greatly from the rise of two young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have taken control of the tour and seem destined to win many important titles in the next 10 or 15 years. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is still very competitive, having reached the final at the Wimbledon Championships and the Masters 1000 in Shanghai last Sunday, but he no longer gives the feeling of having the situation under control.
Novak is now a underdog when he faces Sinner and Alcaraz, who are much younger than him and can impose a rhythm from the baseline that Nole struggles to hold at 37. Djokovic will need a feat if he wants to win the 25th Major title of his legendary career and will also have to hope for a favorable draw to get to the bottom. The Serbian lost the last three matches against Sinner, while Alcaraz defeated him in the final of the Wimbledon Championships for the second year in a row.
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A new status
Meanwhile, Djokovic has arrived in Saudi Arabia where he will be one of the protagonists of the 'Six Kings Slam' this week. The former world number 1 will face the winner of the match between Sinner and Medvedev in the semi-finals. In the latest edition of the AO Podcast, Australian legend Todd Woodbridge discussed Noles chances of winning another Major title: Hes coming into a very different and unusual phase of his career because the way hes chosen to not play as many tournaments, his focus is on the Majors.He actually comes in as a bit of an underdog in all of these players were talking about as title contenders because of that, and he didnt win a major this year. I think its probably going to bring him freedom in the way that he approaches it, and hell enjoy that.
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Novak has made the history of the sport by winning many titles, as well as creating a very special rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Spanish legend - who will retire after the Davis Cup Finals in November - has spoken at length about her relationship with Djokovic before the start of the Six Kings Slam.
We have faced each other many times in our careers; we don't need to play again Rafa said. For me, competing against Novak was always a challenge. He is a great rival who has always pushed me to the maximum level, taken me to the limit. I think we both have felt this sensation, including Roger Federer as well. Among the three of us, we have always helped each other to reach a superior level, always being very tough rivals and pushing ourselves towards new successes he added.
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Despite their rivalry, the Big 3 have always respected each other. I've had a special relationship with Roger, but with Novak, I'm also having it. That's how I live sports, going beyond the matches; in life, there are things much more important than tennis. At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with your colleagues, those around you, undoubtedly the experience will be much more satisfying. Tennis is a very solitary sport; I think it's important to take care of this aspect Nadal concluded.
Nole doesn't give up
Djokovic has already promised that he will be in Malaga to celebrate Nadals career, with whom he has played a myriad of times in the most important tournaments in the world. Their last match should have been at the Paris Olympics, where the Serbian ace won in two sets on the iconic Philippe Chatrier.
For the first time since 2017 and for the second time since 2011, Djokovic has not won a single Grand Slam title in an entire season. Speaking with Il Corriere dello Sport, Italian legend Adriano Panatta reflected on Novaks current status: He played well in the Shanghai final, but for exactly one hour. After the first set, there was no more match, so I think that Djokovic also resigns himself to giving up.
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I believe that a player like him, who was probably the best of all time in terms of results, is not a player who can allow himself to leave the court, I dont say humiliated, but with a good beating from Sinner. Im a little sorry, because I have great admiration for Djokovic. I always say that I didnt love Djokovic, but thats not true. I loved Federer more.
