Novak Djokovic Sees Possibility of a ‘Third Guy’ in the Rivalry of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic has lost to Jannik Sinner in the last two Grand Slam semifinals.

Novak Djokovic Sees Possibility of a ‘Third Guy’ in the Rivalry of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, The Tennis Letter, Jannik Sinner HQ)

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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz arrive at the US Open aiming to continue their dominance at the majors. Between them, they have claimed the last seven Grand Slam titles. Novak Djokovic, however, believes their run will not last forever. The 24-time major champion insists every era eventually shifts.

Djokovic knows the feeling well. He rose to the top during the Federer-Nadal period and built the largest haul of Grand Slam trophies in history. At 38, he now finds himself on the other side of a duopoly. In the past two seasons, Sinner and Alcaraz have beaten him four times at the Slams. Djokovic said in the US Open press conference:

You know, Rune was there, and he kind of goes up and down. Fonseca. There are players who can take the Djoker’s place, the third spot. I identify with the third player, I kind of empathize with the third guy because I was in those shoes with Federer and Nadal. I want to see a third guy coming in.

This year has been especially difficult. Sinner defeated Djokovic at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Earlier, he also ended the Serb’s campaign at the Australian Open. Alcaraz, meanwhile, has twice stopped Djokovic in Wimbledon finals, including their classic five-set duel in 2023 that denied him a calendar-year sweep.

Djokovic’s most recent Slam came at the 2023 US Open, where he lifted his fourth trophy in New York. His all-time record stands at 392 wins and 54 losses on the biggest stage. Now seeded to face American Learner Tien in the opening round, he could run into Taylor Fritz in the quarters and Alcaraz in the semis. Another deep run would mark his answer to the youth challenge.

Novak Djokovic takes to the baseball world

Novak Djokovic stepped onto a different stage Thursday night with his 25th Grand Slam in sight. The Serbian star threw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium before the New York Yankees played the Boston Red Sox. Wearing a white sleeve on his right arm, he delivered the ball to catcher Austin Wells. The pitch bounced in front of the plate but was safely handled.

Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

While on the field, Djokovic shared moments with several Yankees players. He posed for photos alongside captain Aaron Judge, shortstop Anthony Volpe, and Wells. The exchange included gifts—Djokovic handed Judge a tennis racket, while Judge returned the gesture with a signed bat.

Djokovic is in New York preparing for the US Open, which begins Sunday at Flushing Meadows. Seeded seventh, he will open his campaign on Arthur Ashe Stadium against American Learner Tien. The match marks his first step toward another possible run at history.

The 38-year-old has lifted the US Open trophy four times in his career. His most recent victory came in 2023, when he matched Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles. Now, he returns with a chance to stand alone at the top.

Novak Djokovic faces clash with Serbian government

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic and his father have become the focus of negative coverage in Serbian media. According to reports, the campaign followed the tennis star’s political comments. Local outlets linked to the government have published personal attacks against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

The controversy began after a tragedy in Novi Sad in November 2024. A railway station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people. Protests erupted over claims of corruption and negligence by local authorities and police. By March, demonstrations had spread to hundreds of cities across Serbia and are still ongoing.

In December, Djokovic voiced support for the student-led protests against President Aleksandar Vucic and the ruling government. Journalist Jaschar Dugalic, writing for Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, reported that officials turned their attention to Djokovic after his statement. While Djokovic avoided direct criticism of the government, pro-regime outlets began to attack his reputation.

One of the leading tabloids, Informer, called him a “disgrace” for backing the protests. The same paper later criticized him again after reports surfaced that he was considering moving his family to Athens. The outlet accused him of being a “false patriot,” despite his years as a symbol of Serbian pride.

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