Novak Djokovic is keen to tackle Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on the Grand Slam degree when he returns to motion on the Australian Open after a lackluster 2024 season, the 24-time Grand Slam champion stated.
After dominating final yr with three main titles, the 37-year-old has struggled in 2024, failing to safe a Grand Slam victory for the primary time since his injury-hit 2017 season.
World No. 1 Sinner dethroned Djokovic at Melbourne Park en path to his maiden Grand Slam win, and the 23-year-old Italian additionally beat the Serb within the Shanghai Masters remaining in October.
Reigning U.S. Open champion Sinner added the ATP Finals title to his tally, whereas Djokovic withdrew from the season-ending occasion because of harm.
Djokovic additionally withdrew from the French Open quarterfinals due to a knee harm, whereas 14-time champion Rafael Nadal misplaced to Alexander Zverev within the first spherical, permitting Alcaraz to dominate Roland Garros.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, Alcaraz, additionally retained his Wimbledon title. However, Djokovic clinched his maiden Olympic gold in Paris, defeating Alcaraz three weeks after their Wimbledon remaining, proving his resilience.
“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,” Djokovic stated in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Saturday.
“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, who slipped to seventh within the ATP rankings, stated 2024 was maybe his least worthwhile season within the final 10 years.
“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,” he stated.
Asked what recommendation he would give Sinner, Djokovic stated: “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.”
Following the retirements of Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic stays the final man from his technology nonetheless pushing for the crown.
Former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion Murray has joined Djokovic’s teaching crew because the latter bids to win a record-extending eleventh Australian Open when the season’s first main begins Jan. 12.
Source: www.dailysabah.com