“The younger guys are more communicative,” Novak Djokovic takes yet another dig at Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open

In a rather interesting turn of events, Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he enjoys the rivalries with Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev more than the ones he had with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. 

For context, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, known as the Big Three, thrilled fans all over the world with their incredible skills, unwavering determination, and intense rivalries. 

Amassing an astonishing number of titles between them, the trio is known for their iconic rivalry style on the court. Although Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer enjoy a great level of friendship off the court, Novak Djokovic seems to struggle to have a good relationship with them. 

However, with Federer now retired and Nadal struggling with injuries, Djokovic is left to rival a new generation of tennis players.

In comparison to his titles, Alcaraz, Sinner, and Medvedev are nowhere near the tally. They have recently begun to become a great force in tennis and have all reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Jannik Sinner is even scheduled to face the tennis great himself in the semi-final of the 2024 Australian Open.

Djokovic, who defeated Adrian Mannarino in the round of 16, said in the post-match interview that he enjoys the rivalries with Alcaraz, Sinner, and Medvedev. As per World No. 1 himself, his relationship with them is ‘better’ and more ‘open’ than the one he had with Federer and Nadal.

I an really enjoying the rivalries I have with all those [young] guys. Alcaraz, Medvedev, Sinner, everybody near the top I get along with quite nicely. If I were to compare my relationship with them to the one I had with Federer and Nadal, the relationship with my younger fellow players is much better, nicer. I enjoy it. It’s just more open, the younger guys are more communicative. We just get along better, that’s it.

Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic equals another Federer record

Novak Djokovic has equaled Roger Federer following his 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal. With 14 quarter-finals in the Australian Open, the Serbian has also equaled Rafael Nadal and John Newcombe as joint second-highest at the tournament. The 36-year-old winning run in Melbourne now stands at 32 matches and counting.

Djokovic defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 in one of his best matches at the tournament to reach the quarterfinals. 

With that being said, if Djokovic secures his 25th major title in Australia, he will surpass Margaret Court’s all-time Slam record, sealing his position as the greatest all-time tennis player.

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