Despite being an amazing tennis player with practically no weaknesses except for his age, Novak Djokovic keeps showing class. The Serbian star has gotten better this season than the two previous years, which is what keeps him on top of the sport despite his direct competitors improving as well.
Notwithstanding, youngsters like Holger Rune, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik have proven this season that they can deal with Novak Djokovic’s on-court dominance and are looking forward to usurping the champion come 2024.
Holger Rune talks on the next big three
The stars of the future have been said to be Holger Rune, Alcaraz, and Sinner, and they have already tasted success in their young careers. While Alcaraz is a two-time Grand Slam champion and has previously reached the top of the rankings, Sinner and Rune have both won Masters 1000 tournaments and broken into the Top-5.
“I think it’s really cool to be a part of this group because you know, all of us have been doing very very well, you know, Sinner had a phenomenal season, Alcaraz also with the Wimbledon title,” Rune said.
“To be honest, I have so much motivation inside of me so I don’t need other players to really motivate me or keep my hunger. When I am winning, I am more hungry you know, and when I am losing I get motivation to go back to work. It doesn’t matter if Sinner is winning a tournament or losing in first round, I mean, I wish him the best but it does not affect my motivation and will to win and again for the sport, it’s really cool,” he added.
Rune added that he believed that the rivalry between himself, Alcaraz, and Sinner is good for the growth of tennis. At the same time, he pointed out that for the three of them to dominate the tour, they need to get Novak Djokovic out first.
“It’s really great to have this rivalry with us three players as we had the generation Roger, Rafa, Novak, Murray and yeah for the sport to grow, it’s really amazing to have this group of guys that can dominate the tour. I am not saying we are dominating the tour already, Novak is still there, we need to try to get him out of here,” Holger Rune said.
Holger Rune weighs in on Novak Djokovic’s impact
Holger Rune feels like Novak Djokovic is pretty impossible to beat on paper. It makes sense because Novak Djokovic’s outstanding record against top players speaks volumes for him. Yet, in reality, Djokovic looks beatable and Rune has done it over the Serbian twice since their first meeting.
“I can’t allow myself to get these thoughts into my mind because on paper it’s impossible to beat him [Djokovic] but in real life, everything is possible,” Rune on facing Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic, who defeated Rune at the ATP Finals robbin-round group game, produced a pretty strong game that showed a lot of confidence and risk-taking. However, since showing good links with coach Boris Becker, Rune may likely become one of the best in the future.
“I think that when I enter the court, I have strong belief in my abilities and what I can do out there. I respect my opponent but I’m never going to be afraid and also, I feel like, they ask me, ‘You know, play a guy with 24 Grand Slams,’ and yes I know but if I would think that, I would already have lost the match,” he added.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has revealed that his target is to win more major titles next season and an Olympic gold but with the rise of youngsters against him, he may likely face extraordinary opposition in 2024.
How are things going to turn up for the younger generation of tennis? Make sure to tell us what you think in the comments section.
