The rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has been fantastic for tennis.
However, Nikola Pilic believes Novak Djokovic is still on another level compared to these younger players. Djokovic recently took a break after winning his first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in two thrilling sets without any breaks.
This win means Djokovic, at 37, has now claimed every major tennis title, something neither Rafael Nadal nor Roger Federer has done. Some think this makes him the greatest ever.
It’s uncertain how much longer Djokovic will continue playing since winning Olympic gold was his last big goal. Patrick Mouratoglou thinks he could play for another three or four years but says it depends on his motivation to keep competing in Grand Slams.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic | 37 | 8,360 | 18 - 6 |
Djokovic’s Legacy and Future:
Pilic coached Djokovic when he was young and now runs an academy in Germany where Djokovic trained. In a Tennis Magazin interview, Pilic compared Djokovic to Sinner and Alcaraz, saying that while they are great players, Djokovic is still on a different level.
“Novak, the old master, is simply still a different calibre [to Alcaraz and Sinner]. I don’t want to be subjective here, but he has been named World Sportsman of the Year five times. That is not my subjective opinion; that was decided by independent committees.”
Fans might think it’s amazing how long Djokovic can stay at the top.
Pilic also mentioned that even though Sinner and Alcaraz will likely lead the new generation soon, Djokovic’s achievements set him apart for now. “That speaks for itself and is something very special. Sinner, Alcaraz and others will certainly take over the new generation in one or two years. Novak will be 39 by then, and not everything will be the same as when he was 29.”
Pilic clearly respects what Djokovic has accomplished but doesn’t see anyone surpassing him yet.
He also shared that he remains close with Djokovic. For instance, when a film about Pilic’s life premiered in Monte-Carlo, Djokovic changed his plans to attend with both their families instead of preparing for an event in Nice.
“Novak actually had to fly to Nice to prepare for Monte Carlo. He then cancelled this flight and flew a day later to see this film in the cinema in Belgrade with his family and mine. That just shows me how much he respects me and my family.”
“The film is very good by the way; it has won 35 different awards. This action by Novak says a lot about him; he changed his entire planning because this film was also a matter close to his heart.”
Djokovic continues being adored globally due to his tennis feats which explains why tickets for an exhibition match between him and Grigor Dimitrov sold out in less than ten minutes!
What do you think about all this?
