Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has been candidly told that his “destiny” is to once again be the “third wheel” in men’s tennis, a role he famously occupied during the era of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. This blunt assessment comes from former player Andrea Petkovic, who believes that with the recent dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic is no longer the favorite in major tournaments.
The Shifting Landscape of Men’s Tennis
Petkovic, speaking on the Becker Petkovic podcast, drew a direct parallel between Djokovic’s current position and his earlier career. “He was with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and now he’s with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner,” she stated. “It was his initial destiny in tennis to be number three… Now, towards the end of his career, it’s his destiny again to be the third wheel.”
This perspective highlights a significant shift in the men’s tennis hierarchy. Since Djokovic’s last Grand Slam win at the 2023 US Open, Sinner and Alcaraz have collectively claimed the last seven Majors. They were also the finalists at both the French Open and Wimbledon recently, with Sinner defeating Alcaraz at Wimbledon after losing to him in Paris.
The Rise of Alcaraz and Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as the dominant forces in men’s tennis. Their recent Grand Slam victories underscore their ascendancy, challenging the long-held supremacy of the “Big Three.” Djokovic himself has acknowledged the prowess of these younger players. While he has reached the semifinals of the first three Grand Slam events this season, his losses in the French Open and Wimbledon semifinals were straight-set defeats to Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Despite turning 38, Djokovic has continued to compete at the highest level, reaching the semifinals of the first three Grand Slam events this season. However, injuries and the form of Jannik Sinner have played a role in his recent Grand Slam exits. Djokovic’s only title this season came at the Geneva Open, his 100th career singles trophy. He is scheduled to participate in the Canadian Open, his first appearance in the Montreal event since 2018, where he will face both Sinner and Alcaraz.
The US Open and Beyond
As the tennis world looks ahead to the US Open, Djokovic is not entering as the “heavy favorite” to win, with Sinner and Alcaraz instead holding that distinction. Djokovic will be aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam title. While he has often hinted at retirement, he has also expressed a desire to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Public Perception and the “Third Wheel” Label
The “third wheel” label is not new to Djokovic. Throughout much of his career, despite his immense success and record-breaking achievements, he has often been perceived as less adored by the public compared to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. This sentiment has been echoed by various figures in the tennis world. Former French player Gilles Simon believes that Djokovic’s competitiveness against Federer and Nadal initially made him unpopular with fans, and that Nadal’s popularity even increased when comparisons shifted from Federer to Djokovic. Djokovic himself has admitted, “I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I was not supposed to be there.”
However, some, like American writer Ana Mitric, have argued against the notion of Djokovic truly being a “third wheel,” stating that his achievements prove otherwise and that he simply doesn’t fit into the “neat and tidy box” the media often tries to place him in. Regardless of the perception, as the sport enters a new era dominated by rising stars, the conversation around Djokovic’s place in the pantheon of tennis greats continues to evolve.
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