Novak Djokovic has never learned how to give up. Never in his career, never in a season, never in any tournament, never on any point. He best knows how to fight and fight till he succeeds. At 38, he is still fighting and wants to keep going.
Meanwhile, Djokovic burst on the scene when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were ruling the realms of the tennis world. He came as the third guy and spoiled their party. Towards the fag end of his career, Djokovic has been kept at bay by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the last two seasons.
The Serbian said Alcaraz and Sinner’s rivalry is great for the sport.
“Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals,” said Djokovic, who owns a positive Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Federer and Nadal. “I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and what they will do for the next 10 to 15, 20 years… God knows how many years they’re going to play, they’re so young.
“This is a natural cycle in sports. You’re going to have another two superstars [and] maybe have another third guy — who I’m going to cheer for — because I’ve always been the third guy at the beginning. But it’s good for our sport. I think these kinds of rivalries and the contrast of the personalities and the styles of play are very good for tennis.”
The World No. 4 downplayed the question that he is chasing Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on the tour. Djokovic said he has his own legacy and has done great things on the tour.
“How is [their rivalry] affecting me? As I said, I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own history,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been very clear when I say that my intention is always in terms of achievements, objectives and results. I want to get to the championship match in every tournament, particularly Slams. Slams are one of the biggest reasons why I keep on competing and playing tennis.
“Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. The quality and the level is amazing. It’s great. It’s phenomenal. But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No. I’m going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them.”
Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Australian Open on Friday.
