Sinner is the Best: Is Novak Djokovic’s Reign Over in Tennis?

Published7. May 2024, 2:30 p.m

Tennis: “Sinner is the best”: Is Novak Djokovic’s time over?

In Madrid, Novak Djokovic withdrew shortly before the start of the tournament to rest himself. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played and are now injured.

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• Novak Djokovic was missing from the tournament in Madrid.

• Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz played and are now injured.

• The Spaniard thinks the Italian is already the best player in the world.

The world’s top tennis players have been dueling in Madrid over the last few days, but one very prominent face was missing from the clay court classic: Novak Djokovic. The world number one announced his cancellation of the ATP 1000 tournament shortly before the start of the tournament, his second one this year after Miami at an event of this size, he wanted to take it easy.

“I was surprised by his decision in Madrid,” said Djokovic’s ex-coach Boris Becker at the Laureus World Sports Awards, amazed at his former protégé’s decision. Becker argued that Djokovic needed matches to get back into shape: “He needs competition.”

Djokovic’s focus is on the Grand Slams

Djokovic himself traveled to the Spanish capital because of the award show despite his cancellation in Madrid. There he won his fifth Laureus award and afterwards commented on his plans. «I’m preparing for Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympic Games and the US Open. Rome will be my next tournament,” explained the Serb.

However, there will be no meeting between Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in the Eternal City. The Italian suffered a hip injury in Madrid and has to miss his home tournament. Sinner is already the benchmark for Carlos Alcaraz, who is also missing in Rome with an injury (forearm). “He is dangerous and currently the best player in the world,” the 20-year-old praised the South Tyrolean, who is two years his senior, in Madrid.

Sinner remains modest

Sinner beat Djokovic in the semifinals at the Australian Open.

MAGO/ABACAPRESS

The Italian world number 2 does not want to know anything about a changing of the guard at the top of the world rankings for the time being. “That’s difficult to answer and always a snapshot,” says Sinner in response to the corresponding 20-minute question. “I don’t think you can compare me with Novak yet, with all his successes.” Alcaraz has also won more than him, says the shooting star modestly.

Djokovic wants to play until 2028

The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has only played three tournaments in 2024 and has not yet won any of them. Nevertheless, there are some signs that the 36-year-old superstar does not want to completely leave the field to his younger competitors. On the one hand, he doesn’t seem to be bothered by any injury problems at the moment, and on the other hand, he recently added new excitement with the separation from his long-time successful coach Goran Ivanisevic.

Djokovic’s statements regarding his future planning also do not suggest an imminent end to his career. Regarding the Olympics, he said at the Laureus Awards: “The Olympic Games are the oldest and most prestigious sporting event. I want to play my best tennis there. I want to play until Los Angeles 2028.”

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2024-05-07 12:30:19
#Tennis #Novak #Djokovics #time