Novak Djokovic made a long-awaited comeback to the Mutua Madrid Open, stepping onto the courts at the Magic Box after a two-year absence. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the tournament, the spotlight naturally falls on the Serbian star, who now stands as the headline act in Madrid.
The three-time Madrid champion used his pre-tournament press conference to reflect on the changing landscape of men’s tennis, defend the enduring legacy of the Big 3, and also praise the remarkable achievements of Alcaraz, who just turned 21.
Djokovic Reflects on the Big 3’s Legacy and the Changing Era
Speaking candidly about the evolution of tennis over the past two decades, Djokovic acknowledged the difficulty in drawing comparisons between different generations.
"It's difficult to compare eras. The last 20 years were dominated by the four of us (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray). When my biggest rivals retired, there was a gap with the new generation. And many people have struggled to accept that Federer or Nadal are no longer playing. But I am still here, trying to represent my generation."
Djokovic's words underline the emotional transition the tennis world is undergoing, as fans adjust to a scene without Roger Federer and, increasingly, Rafael Nadal. Yet, as he emphasized, he remains a fierce competitor, striving to maintain his generation’s legacy.
Praise for Carlos Alcaraz’s Rapid Rise
Despite the obvious generational shift, Djokovic made sure to highlight Carlos Alcaraz’s phenomenal impact on the sport.
Wawrinka’s 2015 Roland Garros Win: A Painful Memory
Djokovic also revisited one of the toughest moments of his career—the 2015 Roland Garros final loss to Stan Wawrinka. At the time, with Nadal’s early exit, Djokovic saw a clear path to capturing his first French Open title. However, Wawrinka had other plans, delivering a near-flawless performance to deny him.
"It was one of my most painful defeats because at that time I had not yet won Roland Garros and the absence of Nadal gave me many opportunities to win it for the first time. But then Stan Wawrinka played incredible tennis, sometimes we joke about that final and I tell him that the reason he played so well in that final was because of his pants."
"In all seriousness, he is an incredible player and I admire him a lot as a person. I think he is one of the most underrated players. He has won a gold medal at the Olympics, three Grand Slams. He has had an incredible career, he is 40 years old, with knee operations and still plays tennis."
At 40, Wawrinka continues to defy expectations, further validating Djokovic’s praise.
Looking Ahead: Djokovic Still Leading the Charge
As the Mutua Madrid Open unfolds, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic, who once again carries the hopes of a generation that has dominated men's tennis for two decades. With Federer retired, Nadal battling injuries, and Alcaraz temporarily sidelined, Djokovic stands tall—ready to write yet another chapter in his illustrious career.