Novak Djokovic stands out as the most successful tennis player in history. Mats Wilander believes that achieving this while competing against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is a source of immense pride for him. As the season wraps up, Djokovic will be the last of the “Big 3” still playing, with Federer having retired at the Laver Cup in 2022 and Nadal planning to retire after the Davis Cup Finals next month.
The upcoming Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia is gaining attention because it might be one of the final events featuring both Djokovic and Nadal. This exhibition includes top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. They are set to face off in thrilling matches, with Djokovic and Nadal expected to meet in the semifinals after their byes.
Fans are eager to see how these legends perform together one last time. Sinner’s match against Medvedev on Wednesday adds more excitement to this event. Some fans might feel nostalgic about seeing these greats play together again.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic | 37 | 8,360 | 18 - 6 |
Reflections on Rivalries:
Nadal hopes to leave a lasting impression before stepping away from tennis, avoiding a farewell that shows him far from his peak form. Djokovic has often spoken about how his rivalry with Nadal was particularly significant throughout his career. Their battles were intense and memorable.
Wilander shared with Eurosport that Djokovic should feel proud of thriving during such an incredible era filled with fierce rivals like Federer and Murray. “I think Novak will feel so proud,” he said, acknowledging both pride and sadness as he reflects on surviving through such competitive times.
Though parting ways with Federer, Nadal, and Murray left a void for Djokovic, Wilander sees new challengers like Alcaraz and Sinner motivating him to keep pushing forward. Fans may wonder if these young talents will inspire him even further.
Djokovic continues to influence modern tennis’s physical demands while noting how Federer and Nadal have impacted players like Sinner and Alcaraz too. Wilander remarked on how much Djokovic appreciates being part of this legacy: “He sees it more than anyone.”
As we watch these legends transition out of their careers or into new roles within tennis society—what do you think?
