NOVAK DJOKOVIC GIVES YOUNGER GENERATION A 'HELPFUL ADVICE ON...

Novak Djokovic was the player to beat yet again in 2023 as he won three of the four Grand Slam titles and finished as year-end No. 1. Among those looking to dethrone Djokovic is Holger Rune. Rune says Djokovic is at an “extremely high standard” and thinks it is beneficial for the younger players to face him. He has also spoken about his rivalries with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Holger Rune believes it is “very helpful” for the younger generation of tennis players to have Novak Djokovic around as it gives them a taste of the “real world”.

Djokovic was the dominant force on the ATP Tour in 2023, winning three out of the four Grand Slams and finishing as year-end No. 1.

He suffered just seven defeats over the court of the season, one of which was against Rune, 20, in Rome.

For the likes of Rune, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic’s continued excellence means winning the biggest titles remains a difficult challenge.

However, Rune thinks it is a challenge that has some benefits.

“I actually like that Novak is still here because you know for us young players to really see what the real world is in a way, what the real deal is, you know,” Rune told the Advantage Connors podcast.

“If you never experience Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal] or Novak, I think we would miss something and I think Novak is like extremely high standard and I think for us so close to see that is very helpful.”

Rune has been tipped as one of the leaders of the next generation along with Alcaraz and Sinner.

Asked if it is time for the younger players to take over from the ‘Big Three’ of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Rune said: “Yeah, I totally agree. I have to agree and I do agree.

“I will try to beat him every time because if he keeps winning these big tournaments, why would he stop? I mean he is not going to stop until we beat him so the sooner we can get the level raised, the sooner we will take over.”

Even at the age of 36 Djokovic has shown no signs of slowing down.

He is currently level with Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles and will have his sights set on more success next season, starting with the Australian Open, which begins on January 14, live on Eurosport and discovery+.

Rune is hopeful that he could be a part of the next dominant group on tour along with Alcaraz and Sinner, but recognises the first task for the trio is to beat Djokovic at the biggest events.