Novak Djokovic Archives

Alcaraz arrival means ‘future is looking good’ for tennis – Djokovic

September 28, 2023

Novak Djokovic believes the stunning arrival of Carlos Alcaraz onto the tennis scene in the last couple of years – and his burgeoning rivalry with the young Spaniard – means the future of the sport is in good hands.

It was Alcaraz’s second major following his US Open success in 2022, with the current world No. 2 widely backed for more success in the coming years.

Their showdown at SW19 was one of three enthralling meetings between the pair this year, with the Serbian winning their French Open semi-final clash a month earlier as well as their epic Cincinnati Masters final clash in August.

“I think tennis, definitely the future is looking good with Carlos leading that field,” Djokovic told Sky Sports, per Reuters, as the Serbian took part in a celebrity all-star golf match ahead of the Ryder Cup.

“We’ve had some thrilling encounters. This year with the final at Wimbledon and also Roland-Garros and Cincinnati – that was one of the best three-set matches I’ve ever played.”

Djokovic has played a major role in arguably the greatest era of men’s tennis, following long-standing battles with other members of the sport’s ‘Big Four’: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

Following the retirement of Federer and fitness issues impacting Nadal and Murray, the 24-time Grand Slam winner has welcomed a new rivalry in the latter years of his own career.

“It’s great for our sport there are more rivalries happening but rivalries with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal particularly and also with Andy Murray are right up there for me,” the 36-year-old said.

“Hopefully I’ll play him [Alcaraz] as many times as I played the other guys and that will mean I’ll be playing for years to come.

“But I doubt that, let’s see how it goes.”

Despite his advancing years, Djokovic is showing little sign of slowing down after another sensational year.

After getting the better of Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the Australian Open, Djokovic overcame Casper Ruud in the Roland-Garros final.

Victory in New York saw him claim his 24th major singles title, equalling the record held by Margaret Court.

Alcaraz v Djokovic – French Open highlights

“I’ve had a fantastic year. Grand Slams are the ones that count the most for me at this point of my career, they’re the ones where I want to play my best tennis,” Djokovic said.

“This year, three out of four Slams and another final, I couldn’t ask for more.”

‘This is sporting greatness’ – Djokovic leads Team Monty to Ryder Cup All-Star success

September 27, 2023

Novak Djokovic swapped his tennis racquet for a golf club on Wednesday, after he helped Colin Montgomerie’s claim victory at the Ryder Cup All Star Match.

The biennial golf tournament kicks off on Friday, with sides from Europe and USA set to do battle at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic joined up with former Tottenham and Real Madrid superstar, Gareth Bale, as part of ‘Team Monty’, to help them secure a 7-4 victory against a side lead by former US Ryder Cup captain, Corey Pavin.

But it wasn’t the first time the tennis star has won in the Italian capital, with the world No. 1 having triumphed at the ATP 1000 Rome Masters on six different occasions.

After the match, the Serbian spoke of how honoured he was to play at the course.

“It’s such an honour, a golden opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience,” the 36-year-old said on the first tee.

“Thanks to all the fans for coming and putting a bit of extra pressure on us on the first tee. It’s a unique experience.”

Djokovic was partnered up with Kipp Popert who ranks as world No. 1 for golfers with disabilities for his match, with the pair squaring off against Singapore Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz and Italian G4D golfer Tommaso Perrino.

Before the match began, the US Open men’s singles champion stepped up to the first tee and jokingly addressed the ball with a tennis racquet before grabbing his driver from his caddie.

With one of the best serves in tennis, the crowd in the grand stand were eager to see how well he could drive the ball, and he showed he’s just as accurate, sending his tee shot straight down the middle.

His shot of the day came on the 260-yard 14th, where he hit a stunning fade to drive the green, and joked: “This is sporting greatness. I was going to play safe but the crowd made me do it. It was one of the best shots I’ve ever hit.”

“I’ve never played golf in front of this many people, so considering my level I think I’ve played quite well,” he added.

So far this season, Djokovic has won three Grand Slam titles and two further ATP tournaments, winning in Adelaide and at the ATP 1000 in Cincinnati.

He’s battled Carlos Alcaraz on several occasions this season, notably besting the world No. 2 to win in Cincinnati, before suffering defeat to the 20-year-old in the men’s singles final at Wimbledon.

And speaking on the state of the future of tennis, he lauded Alcaraz, claiming that the future of the sport looks good with him leading the way.

“I think tennis, the future is looking good, with Carlos [Alcaraz] leading that field,”

at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

“We had some thrilling encounters last year, this year particularly with the finals of Wimbledon. Also Roland Garros and Cincinnati – that was one of the best three-set matches I’ve ever played.

“I think it’s great for our sport that more rivalries are happening but obviously, rivalries with [Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal particularly, and also with Andy [Murray] are right up there for me.

“Carlos, I’ve just played him three, four times so hopefully I’ll play him as many times as I played the other guys, and that’ll mean I’ll be playing for years to come.

“I doubt that. But I’ve had a fantastic year and Grand Slams are the ones that count the most, for me at this point in my career, they’re the ones that I want to play my best tennis at. And to win three out of four slams and get to a final, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Alcaraz loving ‘beautiful battle’ with Djokovic for world No. 1 spot

September 27, 2023

Carlos Alcaraz is relishing his “beautiful battle” with Novak Djokovic to finish as year-end world No. 1, which the Spaniard says is one of his “main goals” for the season.

Alcaraz triumphed over Djokovic in a thrilling Wimbledon final this summer to clinch his second major title, but the Serbian swept the other three Grand Slams to take his all-time record haul to 24.

The generational battle has seen both players enjoy periods on the summit of the ATP rankings, with Djokovic currently occupying top spot.

Alcaraz will look to close the gap when he takes to the court at the China Open this week in Beijing, where he is the top seed.

“We have a really beautiful battle for the No. 1 spot after the great performance Djokovic had in the American season,” Alcaraz said.

“He’s the No. 1 right now. I’m coming here with extra motivation to try to recover it in the race, in the ranking.

“As I said, it’s something that I have in my mind every time that I practice, in every tournament.

“It’s not obligatory for me to recover that, but of course you have to put the goals in the year.

“For me [the] No. 1 spot is one of the main goals. In these great tournaments, I’m looking to do great to be able to be close or recover that number.”

Alcaraz will face qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the opening round in Beijing as he aims to pick up his seventh title of the season.

Highlights: Djokovic to face Medvedev in US Open final as Alcaraz shocked

The Beijing event is being staged for the first time since 2019 and Alcaraz will therefore be making his tournament debut.

But the youngster explained that his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former-semi-finalist in Beijing, has helped with his preparation.

“He told me a little bit about this tournament. Of course, since 2004 the tournament has improved a lot,” Alcaraz said.

“It is almost a different tournament. But he told me great things. He played great the years that he has played here. He told me that he enjoyed a lot playing here. Hopefully I feel the same way.”

Laver Cup lessons: Shelton and Tiafoe shine, Team Europe need reinforcements

September 25, 2023

Despite the one-sided scoreline it was another entertaining event with players from both sides putting on a show. But what did we learn from the Laver Cup?

Shelton: Entertainer and future Slam winner?

We already knew this, of course, but Ben Shelton’s performances at the Laver Cup simply reinforced that he is a very fun watch.

Not only does he have the game to entertain crowds, but he plays to entertain.

Given the chance to get Team World off to a winning start for the first time in Laver Cup history, Shelton did not disappoint, powering past Arthur Fils in straight sets.

“He’s sort of built for this type of environment,” said Team World vice-captain Patrick McEnroe afterwards.

“He feeds off the team. I think the team really feeds off him. He gives you a lot of energy when he’s out there.”

Shelton was also plenty animated on the sidelines and was involved in some amusing moments, including shouting ‘come on Johnny’ to Team World captain John McEnroe and explaining his trademark phone celebration to the former world No. 1.

Laver Cup highlights – Shelton and Tiafoe clinch overall triumph for Team World

His rise up the game has not gone unnoticed by tennis legend Rod Laver, who said about Shelton on social media: “Shelton is the new player on the tour. We’re going to see him winning a Slam.”

Shelton seems to love being on the big stage, and the big stage certainly loves having him.

Will Team Europe get reinforcements?

There’s no getting away from the fact that this was not Team Europe’s strongest-ever line-up.

Not only were there were no ‘Big Four’ members present for only the second time in Laver Cup history, but the team was weakened by the late injury withdrawals of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune.

With four debutants, it was always going to be a tough ask for the visitors.

Casper Ruud’s win was the only point they got on the board as chances of an upset quickly slipped away.

Federer ‘would love’ to see Alcaraz and Djokovic on same team at 2024 Laver Cup

Ruud said that Team Europe are “going to be eager” to win the Laver Cup next year in Berlin, but will home advantage alone turn the tables that much?

Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg will surely be hoping he can strengthen the team – and perhaps Roger Federer can help out.

Tiafoe comes up trumps again

Having been 4-0 down after the first day, it looked like Team Europe might have a sniff of turning things around after Ruud secured their first points with victory over Tommy Paul.

The last singles match of the second day seemed as though it could be in Team Europe’s favour as Hubert Hurkacz had won his last three meetings against Frances Tiafoe, who was also out to avoid a fourth straight singles loss.

But Tiafoe delivered for Team World, saving a set point in the first set and then thrilling fans with a behind-the-back shot when the finish line was in sight.

Tiafoe wins outrageous point after audacious behind-back shot

It was a crucial win that prevented Team Europe from building any possible momentum, and it was no surprise that Tiafoe – another player who seems to relish this environment – produced the goods.

He also won both his doubles matches, including the decisive rubber for the second year in a row.

Team World looked well stocked

This one-sided result was like the early days of the Laver Cup, only in reverse.

Team World were beaten 15-9 and then 13-8 in the first two editions of the tournament as they struggled to match the quality put forward by Team Europe, who had five top-10 players in 2017 and four in 2018.

This was the first time that Team World looked stronger on paper, and they showed up impressively on the court.

“Everyone showed up and played about as good as they could possibly play,” said Taylor Fritz afterwards.

Watch as Federer plays table tennis behind the scenes at Laver Cup

The group seems to get along very well and if they can stick together then Team Europe will have a fight to regain the trophy in the coming years.

There’s also the chance that Denis Shapovalov gets added to the team, or perhaps Nick Kyrgios, who didn’t feature this year due to injury.

Federer ‘would love’ to see Alcaraz and Djokovic at 2024 Laver Cup

September 24, 2023

Roger Federer wants to see Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at next year’s Laver Cup.

The tournament concluded on Sunday evening in Vancouver with a 13-2 triumph for Team World over Team Europe, and next year’s competition will take place in Berlin, Germany.

Speaking after the conclusion of the event, Federer spoke to Eurosport about the action.

He said: “They destroyed Team Europe. Team World played fantastic, they really brought the energy

“Everybody brought a point, they were stronger in the doubles. In the singles too, they were moving fast, they were ready to go. They thoroughly deserved victory.”

Federer described how he has been able to enjoy the tournament after his retirement, where he has spent much of his time with Rod Laver.

Legends Federer and Laver sit courtside as Laver Cup enters final day

He added: “I don’t miss it. It’s great to be back in the tennis family again, and the first time experiencing the Laver Cup with a totally different angle. Here I tried to watch every match and it’s been fantastic.

“We talk about the volleys and the doubles, and how it was back in the 60s and 70s.

“Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe both said how Rod Laver was their hero, he was way before my time but I know what he represents in tennis.”

Asked about the prospect of moving back to Europe for 2024’s tournament, the Swiss former world No. 1 was optimistic for Team Europe.

“We can speak German, very much looking forward to Berlin, a city I don’t know very well,” he began. “I can’t wait to go there. I think it’s great to take tennis back to Germany. I think we’ll have much better energy as Team Europe.”

Asked who he would like to see on Team Europe, for next season, he listed several big names, including the two best players on current form. He said: “I would like to see Novak again, Alcaraz and Novak on the same team. Sascha Zverev would be great for the German market. Someone like [Holger] Rune, that really hurt Team Europe.

“Rune and [Stefanos] Tsitsipas pulling out. [Daniil] Medvedev would be great. I like watching [Andrey] Rublev, and maybe someone will come through.”

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+

A ‘really noticeable’ generational change is happening in tennis – Federer

September 22, 2023

Roger Federer says there is a “really noticeable” generational change happening in men’s and women’s tennis.

This year, two of tennis young stars have won Grand Slam titles. Carlos Alcaraz, 20, beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final while USA’s Coco Gauff, 19, lifted her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open by overcoming Australian Open 2023 champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (25).

Federer, who won 22 Grand Slam titles and 103 in total in his decorated career, believes the “records will always tumble”.

“A lot still going on in tennis of course, as always,” he said.

“The records will always tumble. Or just the stories always rewritten. And just for example the US Open was great with the record [24 Grand Slam titles] of course by Novak Djokovic.

“And of course I was also very happy about Coco Gauff’s victory. I’ve known her for five years, when she was very young, and this was a great victory for her.

“We have a new world No.1 in women’s tennis [Sabalenka], Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon.

“And just the new generational change is really noticeable. It’s a bit of a shame for me that I haven’t been able to play against a few in the last couple of years.

“But I think it’s great what’s going on in tennis at the moment and I still follow it very, very closely.”

Federer says tennis is in a healthy place right now and that more new players will continue to break up the dominance previously maintained by himself, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the men’s game.

Federer said: “I think it’s still going well, not that there would somehow be a slump after I retired or that Rafa is injured at the moment.

“The story continues and that will always be the case. Tennis will always be played by new players but at the same time, the way I see these players moving on the court now is unbelievable. And I think many more will come.

“The new players have interesting personalities and tennis is still right up there in the world of sport, and that is beautiful for me to see.”

Eight Wimbledon titles? Most weeks in a row as No. 1? Wilander ranks Federer’s achievements

Federer also reveals what he has been up to during his retirement.

“I’m surprised how much I actually still have going on,” he said.

“I was thinking, so okay, you stop and then there’s nothing left to do. But it’s not like that at all. I’m still very busy with all my partners together or then also for the foundation I’m travelling a lot, was also in Africa for the first time, in Lesotho, with the family. That was absolutely great.

“Then, of course, I was also at the UN right now, working for early learning in the world and especially in southern Africa, so that hopefully more children can go to school, because that needs a lot more money and a lot more opportunities from the big countries. And I’m committed to that and then I’m designing shoes, clothes, tennis racquets.

“So I’m still fully involved and I’m always very happy when there’s a new project for me.”

‘I want to learn from the best’ – Alcaraz on watching videos of Federer and Murray

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+.

A ‘really noticeable’ generational change is happening in tennis – Federer

September 22, 2023