Novak Djokovic believes one young player embodies the values of the Big Three.
Novak Djokovic believes one current star matches the values set by the Big Three (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic has suggested that there is one player who can lead the sport and embody the values laid out by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and himself.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion claimed that the Big Three had “raised the standard” of what it meant to be a champion in tennis.
While their era of dominance is now over, Djokovic believes one young player has already “stood out” to him as the next charismatic face of the sport.
With Federer and Nadal now retired, Djokovic is the last man standing from the Big Three. The trio dominated the sport for the better part of two decades, lifting the biggest trophies and sharing the No. 1 ranking.
But the times are changing in men’s tennis. While Djokovic remains in the top 10 and picked up his first Olympic gold medal last year, new champions and rivalries have emerged.
There will be a big hole to fill when Djokovic also joins Federer and Nadal in retirement, but the world No. 7 believes the sport is in safe hands with Carlos Alcaraz – someone he says is charismatic and has the right principles.
“We have Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner who are developing some new rivalry,” Djokovic told Vijesti.
Novak Djokovic believes Carlos Alcaraz has the charisma and principles to lead the sport (Image: Getty)
“Nadal, Federer and I, as well as [Andy] Murray, whom I have to include, have really dominated men’s tennis in the last 15 to 20 years and we have raised the standard and criteria quite high.
“Not only in terms of results, but also with all other aspects and expectations that a champion and world No. 1 should carry, how he should represent him, how he should play the role of ambassador of the sport, leader of the sport.”
Explaining why he believes Alcaraz has met their standard, the Olympic champion continued: “When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who stood out.
“Not only with his games, outstanding achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair player and kind to everyone.
“And when he loses, he loses with a smile, which is really impressive for such a young man who doesn’t have a lot of experience, but acts like he’s been on the tour for 10 years or more.”
Alcaraz has been coached by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero since he was 16, and Djokovic believes Ferrero’s influence has made him the man he is.
He added: “I think that the cause of all this is his proper upbringing, his environment, coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, former No. 1 and Grand Slam champion who passed on to him from a young age what it means to be an athlete, not only in the championship aspect of performance, achieving results and perseverance.
“But also what are the sports values and principles that should be advocated and nurtured, passed on and serve as a guiding star to the younger generations who follow tennis and who would like to one day realise themselves.”
News
Taylor Swift Revealed the Crushing Moment She Felt Her Career Was Over: ‘They Got Me Beat Now’
In 2019, Taylor Swift felt her career was in an excellent position when she signed to a new record label….
‘If I Dont Win… ‘ Jennifer Lawrence’s Epic Reaction Before Losing To Emma Stone Leaves Fans In Splits…
Jennifer Lawrence left everyone in splits with her antics at the Golden Globes 2024. The actress hilariously said that she…
Bucks News: Damian Lillard on His Missed 3-Point Attempt for the Win Against Magic – ‘I Just Lost My Balance A Little Bit’
Damian Lillard hit lots of difficult three point shots on Saturday against the Orlando Magic but not the most important…
BREAKING: Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter face harsher punishment for committing a flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark, after the WNBA announced the penalty six months after the incident.
The decision, coming six months after the incident, has sparked widespread reactions among fans, players, and analysts, with many questioning…
Son Of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell Wows ‘American Idol’ Judges With Audition
The season 23 premiere of American Idol aired Sunday (March 9) and featured an impressive first round of auditions, including one from…
Breaking: Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes History (Report)
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the midst of a controversial 2024-25 season. They currently sit at 36-26 on the season,…
End of content
No more pages to load