May 25, 2025; Paris, FR; Roger Federer of Switzerland, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Andy Murray of Great Britain with Rafael Nadal of Spain during the presentation ceremony paying tribute to the career of Rafael Nadal of Spain on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier Courtday on day one at Roland Garros Stadium.

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Novak Djokovic Demands Respect for Big-Four Amid Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner Comparisons Ahead of ATP Finals 2025

The Serbian has reiterated his stance on the dominance of the golden generation.

While Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner may be the talk of the town at the moment, Novak Djokovic has made it clear that the golden generation of tennis is a class apart. The World No. 5 has reiterated in a recent interview that fans must not forget what the likes of himself, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have done for the sport. Djokovic is currently taking part in the 2025 Hellenic Championship at Athens, with an eye on his participation at the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals.

The perfect tennis rivalry 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UjnSPnxQkx
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) November 7, 2025

It has been an under-appreciated season for Djokovic so far. While the record books will show only one title to his name (so far), the 38-year-old has performed at a supremely high level. He reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slams, and also made the final in Miami. In May, Djokovic defeated Hubert Hurkacz to win his 100th career singles trophy at the Geneva Open. Appearing in a press conference at the Hellenic Championship, the Djoker clarified his stance on the ongoing Sincaraz domination.

“I never said that Jannik and Carlos are reaching a level of tennis never seen before,” said the 24-time major champ. “We must highly appreciate what they are doing, but we must also respect legends like Rafa, Roger, Andy and myself. Sinner and Alcaraz are the dominant forces in today’s tennis, but let’s not forget where we come from. Hopefully, they can achieve our accomplishments by the end of their careers.”

Novak Djokovic Previously Called for the Need of a ‘Joker’ in Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner Rivalry

"What that means for me that all of you are here, it means everything." 🥹

Rafael Nadal talks appreciation for rivals, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. ❤️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/I3EoTEqrUD
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 25, 2025

Prior to the 2025 US Open, Djokovic evaluated the duopoly of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The two superstars are currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, and will compete for the top ranking at this year’s ATP Finals. They have split the last eight majors, combining for a total of 25 titles across the past two seasons. The Serbian icon asserted that sooner rather than later, somebody will challenge their dominance.

“You obviously have other young players that are definitely going to challenge them, and hopefully somebody can get in the mix. Rune was there, and he kind of goes up and down. Fonseca [also has potential]. There are players that are able to have that joker spot, the third spot.

“I kind of empathize with the third guy, because I was in those shoes with [Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal,” he continued. “I want to see a third guy coming in.” At the same time, Djokovic also said that the rise of Alcaraz and Sinner has elevated men’s tennis to greater heights.

(Image Credits: Susan Mullane, Imagn Images)

Andy Murray

ATP

Carlos Alcaraz

Holger Rune

Jannik Sinner

Joao Fonseca

Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer

Tennis

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.