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24-time Grand Slam winner, Novak Djokovic has picked a name who according to him carries the same characteristics as the Big-3- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic- harbored in their respective careers. Djokovic was the clear favourite to win the Australian Open 2025, but a hamstring injury shattered the dreams of the 25th major for now. Djokovic has since been recovering and is all set to return at the Oatar Open, which is scheduled to begin on February 17.
Ahead of the start of the ATP tournament, the former World No.1 was asked to name the players who according to him carry the onus of taking the sport forward and inherit the DNA of none other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and himself. Paying heed to the same, the Serb took the name of two of the promising players in the circuit in the form of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. However, he gave the edge to the latter for showcasing maturity in defeats.
“We have [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Siner who are developing a new rivalry. [Rafael] Nadal, [Roger] Federer and I, as well as [Andy] Murray who I have to include here, have really dominated men's tennis in the last 15-20 years and we have raised the standard and criteria quite high," he said.
"Not only in terms of results but also with all the other aspects and expectations that a champion and World No. 1 should have, how he should represent it, how he should play that ambassadorial role of the sport, the leader of the sport," he added.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion continued:
“When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who has stood out, not only with his games, exceptional achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair-play 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 much experience, but who acts as if he has been on the tour for 10 years or more.”
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