Novak Djokovic is relishing the challenge of going from the hunted to the hunter in men’s tennis following the rise of two of his rivals on the Tour.
The former world No.1 has taken a backseat in recent months to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have won the past eight Grand Slam titles between them. Djokovic leads Alcaraz 5-4 in their head-to-head but lost to the Spaniard in their most recent meeting at the US Open. Against Sinner, he is currently on a five-match losing streak on the Tour.
Djokovic renewed his rivalry with Sinner this week in Saudi Arabia at the 6 Kings Slam. A three-day exhibition event that pays a participation fee of $1.5M and $4.5M to the champion. The Serbian was swept aside 6-4, 6-2.
“I know that things are a bit different for me nowadays in terms of the level of tennis, my body and it’s not like when I was at my peak,” Djokovic told The Arab newspaper following his defeat.
“I know that, but I still try to play at the highest level and compete with the best players in the world. Jannick and Carlos are, without doubt, a few levels above all of us.”
Despite the losses, the 38-year-old is refusing to give up and recently dismissed the suggestion he might retire soon. He is currently the second-oldest player in the top 100 after Gael Monfils, who recently confirmed 2026 will be his last season on the Tour.
“I still try to close the gap and try to challenge them in the biggest tournaments. And that’s what I’ve done,” Djokovic continued.
“Four Grand Slam semi-finals this year, which, for me, I’m not maybe fully satisfied with because I’ve achieved the greatest heights in this sport for so many years.
“There’s always part of me that’s like only the title counts in a sense, but also the new reality is the way it is. I have to be satisfied with the big top five in the world in these circumstances.”
As for what is helping Djokovic continue his career, he credits his mindset of always wanting to achieve a ‘better version’ of himself and trying to ‘lean towards perfectionism.’ He has achieved a win-loss of 35-11 so far this season, winning one title on clay at the Geneva Open.
Regarding his two rivals, Djokovic pays tribute to what they are doing for the sport.
“Jannick and Carlos are playing as close to perfection right now,” he commented.
“So it’s quite frustrating to play them when they’re playing at such a high level, to be honest.
“But at the same time, it’s great to see for our sport these guys are playing at such a high level in their rivalries. This is something that is the most exciting.”
