Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are getting close to Novak Djokovic claims Patrick Mouratoglou, divulges what’s keeping Nole ahead

Things are getting interesting as Nole is reaching the twilight of his career, as to see who will replace the legend in the world of tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are getting close to Novak Djokovic claims Patrick Mouratoglou, divulges what’s keeping Nole ahead

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner (image via: Eurosport)

The 2024 season is about to begin with the Australian Open in Melbourne Park. The defending champion of the event, Novak Djokovic is automatically one of the favorites to win the mega event. With the form Nole is in, it will take something really special to stop the Serbian. However, there are a few potential contenders to his throne. The trio of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune have proven to be the future superstars of the sport and have at a time defeated the Serbian.

Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams and Rune has explained that the trio is getting closer to Nole’s level but there are still some improvements. In the interview with Eurosport, Mouratoglou said:

They are close, but they are far. They are close in terms of level. Carlos beat Novak Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon, and Holger beat him two times, one-time last year and one time this year. So, the level is really good. The level of tennis is very close to his. Now what makes the difference is still his ability to compete and his mental strength, that puts him still in a way, way above, because if you look at his season, he won three Grand Slams and reached the final at the other.
Patrick Mouratoglou in an interview with Eurosport
YouTube video

Even in the twilight of his career, Djokovic had one of the best seasons of his career. Winning three major Grand Slams and the ATP Finals besides reaching the finals of the Wimbledon is no joke. This season has seen Nole break various records and register his name in the history books.

Is Novak Djokovic’s legacy in danger?

There is not an iota of doubt that Nole has already become one of the greatest ever to embrace the sport of tennis. The legacy he will leave behind him not just in terms of trophies but overall is all there for everyone to see. Though Alcaraz, Sinner and Rune have impressed with their skillset and performances, the legacy they are chasing will need serious consistency and hard work.

Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are the contenders to Nole's throne after he retires.
Novak Djokovic and Patrick Mouratoglou (image via- Tennisnet.com)

Mouratoglou also explained during his interview the things that are keeping the trio behind Nole. He said:

So we cannot say that they are a regular threat yet, not constantly, not on a regular basis. Once in a while yes. That's where they have to make the big progress. They have to be able to step up in those matches and beat him, but he's the most difficult player to beat in history. So, it's not a simple thing to do, but definitely those three guys have the potential to stay at the top of the game for a while I think.

The Australian Open, starting in January will be a testament to see how the trio turned up against the Serb. The tournament will be more interesting as it will also mark the return of Nole’s career-long rival Rafael Nadal. Thus, the next season has a lot of things in stack for the tennis fans.

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