Novak Djokovic has predicted which three young talents will replace him, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic has predicted that Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune will become tennis’ next great triumvirate. Djokovic is a member of the Big Three alongside Rafael Nadal and the now-retired Roger Federer, and fans have wondered which trio will follow in their footsteps once the Serb and Nadal have stepped away from the court.
The World No 1 defeated Sinner to claim a record seventh ATP Finals triumph on Sunday. He had previously lost to the Italian in the group stage of the tournament but recovered to claim the trophy.
Djokovic has now named the 22-year-old among the young stars who will eventually replace him, Nadal and Federer. However, the 36-year-old veteran has vowed to keep going until “they start kicking my butt”.
Alcaraz, Sinner and Rune have been listed by Djokovic as the three tennis aces to overtake the Big Three. But Djokovic has vowed to “hang around” in a quest for further silverware and hinted that he wants to add Olympic gold to his array of honors.
“Carlos, Jannik and Holger are the big three.. the next big three, if you want to call them. They are going to carry this sport,” Djokovic said.
“I will hang on for as long as I feel like hanging on, as long as I’m able to win against them on the big stage. I’ll still keep going because why stop if you’re still winning the biggest titles.
“Once they start to kick my butt, then I will consider probably having a little break or maybe a permanent break from professional tennis.”
Djokovic has revealed that he wants to win Olympic gold in Paris next year. The US Open champion has opened up on his plans for 2024, suggesting that he will target all four Grand Slams.
Wimbledon was the only major Djokovic failed to win in 2023, losing the final against the impressive Alcaraz.
But asked what else he could achieve in his career, he smiled before joking: “Well, you can win four Slams and Olympic gold.”
Djokovic added: “I have always the highest ambitions and goals. That’s not going to be different for the next year, that’s for sure. The drive that I have is still there.
“Motivation, especially for the biggest tournaments in sport, is still present. For me, obviously those are Grand Slams and Finals, and next year hopefully also Olympic Games.”
