"Has to be respect for Federer, Nadal, Murray & me" - Novak Djokovic chastises journalist for misrepresenting his take on Alcaraz & Sinner's dominance

Novak Djokovic recently chastised a journalist for misrepresenting his take on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's dominance. The Serb emphasised that while the current World No.1 and 2 are levels above other players, the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and himself were the ones who took the sport of tennis to new heights.

Alcaraz and Sinner are undoubtedly the faces of men's singles at the moment. The duo have won nine of the last ten Grand Slam championships and have ruled the ATP Rankings. However, the Alcaraz-Sinner duopoly certainly pales in comparison to the Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic domination that tennis enjoyed in the past two decades.

Recently, in a press conference, a journalist began their question by asking Novak Djokovic ‘(you) said that Sinner and Alcaraz raised tennis on another level’. The Serb quickly chimed in to correct the journalist’s question, saying,

“I didn’t say that. I said that those two play level above others currently. Have to show some respect to us. Has to be some respect for Roger, Rafa, Andy and me. That’s the level of tennis we want. Those two are level above others”

Between 2003 and 2025, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic absolutely dominated the tennis world. The ‘Big Four’ won a total of 69 Grand Slam titles between themselves as well as 14 Tour Finals trophies and various other accolades.

Novak Djokovic reflects on beating Yannick Hanfmann at the Hellenic Championships semifinals

Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic is currently in action at the Hellenic Championships in Athens, Greece. The Serb defeated Yannick Hanfmann in his semifinals encounter at the event to reach his 145th tour-level final. Reflecting on his win over Hanfmann, the 38-year-old said,

“I think it was the best tennis I’ve played this tournament. It came at the right time. Hanfmann poses a great threat because he serves big, has a big game, so I needed to really stay focused. I was a break down in the second, but I held my composure. I’m very excited for the final.”

He went on to thank the crowd for their support, adding,

“Thank you for filling out this amazing stadium again. It’s my third match on centre court, but every time I walk out I’m amazed. I’ve played in some of the most beautiful indoor arenas in the world, but I can definitely say this is one of the top three I’ve ever played in.”

Up next, Novak Djokovic will face-off against Lorenzo Musetti in the finals of the Hellenic Championships. The duo have played each other nine times before, with Djokovic having won eight of these encounters, including their five most recent battles.

Edited by Riddhi Acharya