Tennis, over the last 20 years was majorly dominated by the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. With 66 grand slam titles between them and countless titles, these three ruled the tour. However, as it is said, every good thing must come to an end and so did their era. With Federer retiring back in 2022 and Nadal also on the cusp of retirement, the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have taken the baton from them. But, what about Djokovic? As per an ATP legend, the Serbian is no going anywhere anytime soon.

Greg Rusedski recently weighed in on the ongoing shift in men’s tennis, discussing how rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have begun to establish themselves on the grand stage. On the recent episode of Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, he suggested the impressive achievements of both players, saying, “They’ve looked up to the big three, you know, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal. The records they’ve created is just astonishing.” Rusedski pointed out that Sinner and Alcaraz are already stepping up, winning major titles and pushing boundaries. Sinner and Alcarz have both claimed two Grand Slam titles this year.

However, about Novak Djokovic, Rusedski stressed he remains a force to be reckoned with. Recalling Djokovic’s recent narrow loss to Sinner at 6 Kings Slam, Rusedski suggested, “He’s the guy who’s still going to be part of the mix, and he was absolutely gutted to lose to center because he had a chance at three all in that final set breakpoints. Just push to forehand a little bit. Could have been more aggressive on the break point.” This was about the 6 Kings Slam final where Djokovic lost in a 3-set thriller to the Italian. The final scoreline of the match was 6-2, 6-7 (0), 6-4.

Djokovic’s close game with Sinner suggests his ongoing competitiveness. Rusedski also urged the fans not to count him out. As Rusedski concluded, “Alcaraz and Sinner this year at the majors have been the guys to beat,” but Djokovic, he reminded, is still in the mix. But, what made the likes of Novak Djokovic and others stay at the top for so long? Another former world number 3 has an answer to that.

Former world number 3 reveals the answer behind Novak Djokovic’s longevity at the top

Guillermo Coria, a former world number 3 and winner of 9 ATP titles, in an interview with Marca, highlighted what sets Novak Djokovic apart, along with fellow legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, when it comes to longevity and sustained excellence in tennis. According to the former top player, the key lies in their humility and adaptability, traits that have allowed the trio to remain dominant for so long. “Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic had the humility to adapt to changes in racket, strings, training sessions…That’s why they have been three phenomena that are difficult to match.”

Djokovic’s ability to evolve with advancements in equipment, along with his rigorous approach to adapting training techniques, has been essential in his long-lasting success. This openness to change has made the Big Three: Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, exceptional figures in tennis history and, as the former world number 3 stated, “difficult for them to come back,” meaning it would be challenging for anyone else to replicate their level of sustained dominance.

As Djokovic continues to go strong against younger talents, his adaptability remains one of his greatest assets. It provides the edge needed to stay at the pinnacle of the sport even as tennis and its tools continue to evolve. What are your thoughts?