"Djokovic still the best player in the world" - Murray on the rise of youngsters in 2022

| by Zachary Wimer

Andy Murray thinks Novak Djokovic's absence in 2022 has largely allowed youngsters like Carlos Alcaraz to break out.

While Murray is one of the numerous Carlos Alcaraz supporters, he is aware that Djokovic's absence from several events, most notably the US Open, gave the younger players a chance. The Serbian has largely been untouchable this year when he has played, but due to specific decisions, he was unable to participate in numerous tournaments.

"I think what Alcaraz has done this year has been special. I think also, what's happened in the last few years - and yes, there is always going to be a time when a generation passes or comes to the end of their career - but some of the results have been aided by Novak not being able to play in Australia this year," explained Murray in a talk with Eurosport.

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"He didn't play at the US Open either and arguably is still the best player in the world. And I think that has also influenced some of the results a little bit."

It's a normal thing in tennis to see the older players being less and less competitive: "The best guys are getting older and are playing much less. They're not competing in all of the tournaments and it's giving opportunities now for all of the other players."

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