Djokovic Acknowledges Rising Stars Alcaraz & Sinner‘s Dominance After US Open Loss
NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic conceded that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are currently surpassing him in Grand slam best-of-five set matches following his defeat to Alcaraz at the 2023 US Open. The 38-year-old Serbian, who previously reached the Wimbledon final before falling to Alcaraz, acknowledged the increasing physical demands of maintaining peak performance at his stage in his career.
Djokovic stated that recovery between matches at major tournaments is becoming more challenging. He received multiple visits from ATP physio Clay Sniteman during the US Open fortnight. “I’m happy with my level of tennis, but it’s just the physicality of it,” Djokovic said. “As I said after the quarter-finals… I’m going to do my very best to get my body in shape… but it wasn’t enough. That’s something I,unfortunately at this point in time in my career,can’t control.” He holds a 5-4 Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Alcaraz.
The 100-time tour-level titlist expressed frustration with his physical limitations but remained realistic about the impact of age. “It comes with time and with age,” he said, adding that the support from fans remains a key motivator. “I still enjoy the thrill of competition… Very thankful for that. The love that I’ve been getting around the world has been amazing the last couple of years.”
Djokovic’s last Grand Slam victory was at the 2023 US Open. Despite holding the record for most weeks at World No. 1 (428 weeks) and having defeated Alcaraz earlier in the year at the Australian Open, he anticipates future challenges against the younger generation. “It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand slams. I think I have a better chance best of three, but best of five, it’s tough,” he explained. “I’m not giving up… I’m going to continue fighting… But it’s going to be a very difficult task.”
Currently 31-10 for the season according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Djokovic expressed disappointment at not advancing further in New York but offered praise for his opponents. “It’s never fun losing a tennis match, but at the same time, if I’m to lose to someone, I would lose to thes two guys,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz and Sinner. “I know that they are just better at the moment. You just have to hand it to them and say, ‘Well done’.”
