Novak Djokovic tears into 'rubbish' claims that he disrespected Jannik Sinner in question involving Federer, Nadal & Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic has rubbished claims of him showing disrespect for Jannik Sinner with a reference to the World No. 1's skiing background. The remark was perceived as a slight towards Sinner due to the Serb's contrasting comments about Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic, Sinner, and Alcaraz are all gearing up for their respective campaigns at the 2025 Australian Open. Ahead of the main draw action in Melbourne, the 24-time Grand Slam champion graced the cover of GQ Sports, cutting a stylish figure in the photoshoot set on a boat against the backdrop of stunning marina views.

In the accompanying interview, Novak Djokovic was asked to sum up his rivals in one word. The Serb described Roger Federer as "elegance," Rafael Nadal as "tenacity," and Carlos Alcaraz as "charisma." When it came to Jannik Sinner, however, the Serb chose "skiing," which drew attention due to its stark difference from the other answers.

While speaking to the Serbian media during his pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open, Djokovic disclosed that he had seen the social media "drama" surrounding his comment being perceived as an attempt to disrespect or "humiliate" Sinner.

"Yes, I’ve seen it on social media that it’s being made into some kind of drama or a story, like I humiliated him or I’ve intentionally shown disrespect toward him. That’s ridiculous. It was one of those quiz type of interviews, where you have to think of something in a second," the Serb said.

However, the 37-year-old clarified that the word popped into his head because he and Jannik Sinner had bonded over their shared interest in skiing. Djokovic also dismissed the accusations of disrespect as "rubbish," emphasizing that the exchange wasn't intended as a snub towards the World No. 1's tennis achievements.

"Sinner’s name came up and I had this image in my head of him skiing, because I saw he was skiing somewhere. Also, the two of us talk about skiing always, how we’re going to ski together (Djokovic grew up on a Kopaonik mountain) etc. That’s why I said ’skiing’, not because I don’t respect his achievements in tennis, on the contrary," he said.

"It is as clear as day that the way he is dominating is worthy of every praise – both his playing style and the level of play. He’s got all the attributes I’ve mentioned in others (Federer, Nadal, Alcaraz), and now people make it seem like I am disrespecting him. Rubbish," he added.

Novak Djokovic: "People say my records will never be broken. I doubt that; Carlos Alcaraz could be already the next guy, even Jannik Sinner"

The Serb and Jannik Sinner - Source: Getty

During his GQ interview, Novak Djokovic asserted that while many believed his records would never be broken, he could envision both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner surpassing him if they took care of their fitness and focused on their longevity.

"It’s too early. But, you know, people say my records will never be broken. I doubt that. I mean, Carlos could be already the next guy. Even Jannik. If they take care of the body, if they do things in a proper way, focus on longevity, focus on the long-term, then they can do it," he said.

While the Serb chases his 25th Major title at the Australian Open, Alcaraz has set his sights on completing the career Grand Slam. Sinner has also set an ambitious goal, aiming to successfully defend his title in Melbourne and clinch his third Grand Slam crown.

Djokovic will lock horns with 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy in his tournament opener at the Melbourne Slam. Carlos Alcaraz will take on Lucas Pouille, while Jannik Sinner squares off against Nicolas Jarry.