Novak Djokovic has described competing against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as a painful reminder of his younger self. The 39-year-old made the comments during an appearance on LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s show The Shop.
Djokovic said he wants to beat the two younger players but noted their styles remind him of his own game from a decade ago. “I’m playing myself from 10 years ago and 15 years ago. It kind of hurts me to feel that on the court,” he stated.
The Serbian also reflected on his long rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, calling them his biggest competition over two decades. He contrasted that close generational matchup with the current situation against Sinner and Alcaraz.
Djokovic’s most recent Grand Slam title came at the 2023 US Open. Since then Sinner and Alcaraz have claimed 10 of the last 11 majors. He defeated Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal earlier this year before losing the final to Alcaraz.
He also discussed physical recovery after a five-hour Wimbledon quarterfinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime, noting the knockout format leaves little margin for off days.