Djokovic on Sinner and Alcaraz: "I want to see a third player enter that rivalry."

Novak Djokovic has lowered his standards and is taking a more relaxed approach to the ATP Tour, less obsessed with titles or his ranking. The Serbian took a long break after Wimbledon and returned to the US Open , playing one Grand Slam title after another without any prior preparation.

The Balkan native explained in a press conference the reason why he has been out of action for so long: “I decided not to play because I wanted to spend more time with my family , and honestly, I think I've earned the right and have the luxury of being able to choose, select, and decide where I want to go and what I want to play. To be honest, I don't enjoy two-week Masters tournaments anymore. They're too long for me. I focus mainly on the Grand Slams.”

Djokovic has acknowledged that he plays in the tournaments where he finds motivation: “I would like to play more tournaments, but if you think about it, we currently have, informally and unofficially, 12 Grand Slams a year. The Grand Slams last two weeks, and the other Masters tournaments also last almost two weeks. I don't look for the ranking, or accumulate points, or defend anything, etc. I just don't think about it anymore. The important thing is where I find motivation and joy . Where do I feel inspired to play my best tennis? Where do I really want to be and play?”

The Serbian player can never be ruled out as one of the favorites having appeared in New York four times (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023) but right now he seems a step below Alcaraz and Sinner , about whom he also spoke to the media: “ Their rivalry is incredible. What they have achieved in the last two years is extraordinary for both players . In particular, this year, the finals we have seen them play in at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and some other tournaments are simply incredible for our sport. In the global sporting scene, these types of matches and rivalries are the ones that excite the public the most.”

Despite loving the rivalry between the Spaniard and the Italian, he would love for there to be a third man in the equation, as there was with him, Nadal , and Federer . “Their rivalry is definitely the best we have right now, and it looks like it’s going to continue for some time. There are other young players who will definitely challenge them, and hopefully someone can enter the fray. Rune was there; he’s had his ups and downs, Fonseca. There are players who can occupy the wildcard spot, the third spot. I identify with the third player , because I was in that situation with Federer and Nadal. I want to see a third player enter.”