"People who haven't been close to winning Slams make assertions" - Djokovic questions credibility of claims about Alcaraz & Sinner heralding a new era

Novak Djokovic has expressed frustration over the changing of the guard narrative surrounding his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Wimbledon Championships final. With Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner being hailed as ushering in a new era of men's tennis, the Serb had taken issue with the perceived haste to make this declaration.

Djokovic's quest to win his 25th Grand Slam title and match Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles was derailed by Alcaraz in a rematch of the 2023 final. While the duo battled it out in a closely contested five-set battle last year, the Spaniard dominated the clash this time around, claiming a resounding 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) victory.

The 21-year-old's emphatic victory prompted discussions about the potential end of the 'Big 3,' with Nick Kyrgios also pondering whether Alcaraz's win signified the first "changing of the guard" in men's tennis.

"Wow. Love Djokovic, but is this maybe the first time we can say the ‘changing of the guard’ ?!?!," Kyrgios posted on X.

However, Novak Djokovic has objected to the premature heralding of a new era. Speaking to the Serbian media after his loss, the World No. 2 acknowledged Alcaraz's triumph at SW19 and Jannik Sinner's stellar season as signs of a "generational change," but emphasized that they need to sustain their impressive results over time to confirm such a transition.

The 37-year-old also questioned the credibility of such claims, asserting that many people making these proclamations have never even come close to winning a Grand Slam title.

"Carlos' results make it deserved to talk about a generational change on his part and Sinner is doing very well this year, but these results must be endorsed over time. There are people who have not even been close to winning Grand Slam titles and make these assertions. In short, words are carried away by the wind," he said.

Novak Djokovic: "Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the best this year by far, I'm not at that level"

Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

Despite his reservations about the premature 'changing of the guard' narrative, Novak Djokovic himself admitted that he isn't at the same level as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner this year.

In his post-match press conference, the Serb conceded that he needs to significantly improve his level in order to triumph over the aforementioned duo in important matches at the Majors and the upcoming Paris Olympics.

"Being able to reach the final of Wimbledon gives a great confidence boost. But I also feel like in a matchup today against the best player in the world right now for sure," he said.

"Other than [Jannik Sinner], both of them are the best this year by far… I feel like I’m not at that level. In order to really have a chance to beat these guys in the Grand Slam latter stages or Olympics, I’m gonna have to play much better than I did today and feel much better than I did today. I'm gonna work on it," he added.

Djokovic will aim to deliver a stronger performance against the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner on his return to Roland Garros for the Olympics, as he hunts for his maiden gold medal at the prestigious sporting event.