Novak Djokovic who is a part of the current ‘Big Three’ of tennis revealed the players who according to him are in contention for the next ‘Big Three’.
Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in the final to clinch the Nitto ATP Finals for the seventh time. It was Sinner’s and Djokovic’s second meeting in the tournament. They have faced each other in the group stage as Novak Djokovic was drawn into the Green Group alongside Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Stefanos Tsitsipas(later replaced by Hubert Hurkacz) at the ATP Finals.
Djokovic defeated the local boy in the finals after losing to him in the group stage. It was a big thing as Djokovic has lost only six matches in the entire season.
In a post-match interview, Djokovic was all praise for the 22-year-old Sinner. Djokovic considers him one of the next “Big Three” who can replace Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and him in the future. He feels that Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune are the other two.
“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.”
-Novak Djokovic during post-match interview
Djokovic has earlier mentioned that this trio is extra motivated when they play against him. It has never been an easy win for him. Carlos Alcaraz handed Djokovic his only defeat at majors this season at the 2023 Wimbledon Open finals.
Djokovic had one of the best if not the best season of his career in 2023. He won three out of four Grand Slams and reached the final of the fourth. He won the Nitto ATP Finals and ended the season as the World No.1.
Having won such big titles, 36-year-old Djokovic just looks forward and doesn’t want to stop playing until these players start kicking his butt.
Novak Djokovic aims for all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal next year
Novak Djokovic ended the season on a high by winning the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. He defeated Jannik Sinner in the finals to lift the title.
He couldn’t have asked for a better season having won three out of four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals. He ended 2023 as the World No.1. Djokovic won his 7th Nitto ATP Finals title and ended the season as the No.1 for the eighth time.
In a post-match interview, he was asked what kept him motivated to win so many titles this season and how it is possible to do any better than this to which Djokovic responded:
“Well, you can win four Slams and Olympic Gold. I’ve always the highest ambitions and goals. That’s not going to be different for the next year, that’s for sure.”
– Novak Djokovic during the post-match interview
"Well, you can win four Slams and Olympic gold. Let's see. 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."
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) November 20, 2023
Novak Djokovic
(via @atptour) pic.twitter.com/5j74im3YTA