Four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier expects Novak Djokovic to be a threat to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz despite not being as dominant in 2024.
Djokovic has overcome numerous challenges in his career, but staying competitive in 2025 at the age of 37 after Sinner and Alcaraz's emergence might be one of the toughest he has faced.
After winning three Grand Slams and finishing as the world No. 1 in 2023, Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017 this year. The closest he came was losing the Wimbledon final to Alcaraz.
Instead, Sinner and Alcaraz split the four Grand Slams between them. The Italian won the Australian and US Opens and became the fastest player to guarantee the year-end No. 1 ranking since Djokovic in 2015.
Alcaraz added two more Grand Slams to his tally at this season's French Open and Wimbledon. He has now won four major titles despite being just 21 years old and is considered by some to be the most complete player ever seen at that age.
It seems evident that only injury issues could stop Sinner and Alcaraz from getting even better in the future. That means Djokovic has his work cut out to stay competitive against them at this late stage of his career.
Djokovic's heroics at the Olympics might encourage him. After struggling with a knee injury and being written off by many, the Serbian secured the Olympic gold medal that had eluded him after an incredible serving performance against Alcaraz in the deciding match.
Focusing heavily on the four majors could also help the 24-time Grand Slam champion stay motivated. Djokovic already confirmed that he will play in the opening week of the 2025 season to prepare for the Australian Open.
Alcaraz does not expect Djokovic's level to drop significantly in 2025. The Spaniard thinks the 10-time Australian Open champion will be very dangerous in Melbourne and among the favorites for the title.
Courier, who has become one of the most respected analysts and commentators in the sport since the end of his career, told the Tennis Channel that Djokovic will likely be a threat to Sinner and Alcaraz but does not expect him to be at the same level as his prime years.
"Novak, I think will continue to stay around and be a problem for the top guys. But it’s going to be up to him how much he is going to engage with them, and it’s certainly not going to be on a full level. So, this year is, no question, a big shift. All four of the majors went to the youth."
Djokovic's mental state after the retirement of his greatest rivals could be pivotal in deciding how competitive he stays. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray have all ended their professional careers.
Although Djokovic undoubtedly loves the sport, he already admitted that a big part of him has left the sport with them, which could impact him in 2025 and beyond.
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