Henri Leconte gave some fairly harsh evaluation on Novak Djokovic’s type and ends in 2024 because the 1988 French Open finalist thinks the Serb has misplaced a step whereas additionally warming the file 24-time Grand Slam champion that the youthful gamers have gotten much less and fewer afraid of him.
After a reasonably historic 2023 season by which Djokovic made all 4 Grand Slam finals – set some fairly astonishing data – and in addition proved he was nonetheless one of the best within the sport, the beginning of the 2024 season has been every part however ideally suited for the 36-year-old. Getting into this week’s Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic is 10-3 on the yr and he hasn’t but received a title.
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It is not that Djokovic hasn’t received something this yr but it surely’s extra about the truth that he simply hasn’t regarded his normal self by means of the primary couple of months of the season as one thing simply appears to be off.
On the opposite facet, Jannik Sinner – who defeated Djokovic within the Australian Open semifinal – is 24-1 in 2024 and he has already received three titles. Final month, Carlos Alcaraz additionally ended his eight-month title drought after successful the Indian Wells Masters.
“The ‘Subsequent Gen’ has dominated since final yr, however they need to show that they will stay on the highest degree. Sinner wins and confirms along with his distinctive begin to the season,” Leconte mentioned, by way of We Love Tennis France.
“There’s nonetheless Novak, however he is older and he is slower. He misplaced just a little liveliness. Youthful guys are much less afraid as a result of they really feel that he’s crumbly. Slowly, every part modifications.”
What did Djokovic say about this subject on the Australian Open?
All through your entire Australian Open, Djokovic evidently wasn’t taking part in his finest tennis however he nonetheless managed to get by means of his opening 5 matches. However when the match in opposition to Sinner began, it was fairly clear that Djokovic may have a really unhealthy day on the workplace with out delivering his finest tennis. In the long run, precisely that occurred as Sinner completely dominated Djokovic 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6) 6-3 to achieve the ultimate.
Sinner’s spectacular show and win over Djokovic immediately sparked talks if this was the start of the top for the file 24-time Grand Slam champion. After the match, the 36-year-old Serb was even requested if he was lastly beginning to play like somebody of his age.
“Let’s have a look at (smiling). Do not know. I nonetheless have excessive hopes, you already know, for different slams, Olympics, and no matter tournaments that I will play. It is just the start of the season,” Djokovic mentioned after his Australian Open exit.
“It is not the sensation that I am used to. I imply, it form of has been extremely satisfying for me, you already know, to start out off most of my seasons with a Grand Slam win and by no means misplaced in semis or finals of the Australian Open.
“So this time it’s kind of completely different, however it’s what it’s. Let’s have a look at. I do not know. This event hasn’t been, as I mentioned, as much as my normal or standards or the extent that I might usually play or anticipate myself to play, however does not essentially imply that it is starting of the top, you already know, as some folks wish to name it.
“Yeah, let’s examine what occurs in the remainder of the season.”
What Djokovic mentioned of Sinner in Monte Carlo?
Upon arriving in Monte Carlo, Djokovic revealed to reporters that he was having “low expectations” for the opening clay Masters of the yr and that for him this week can be extra about looking for his rhythm and sport on the grime.
In Monte Carlo, Djokovic was additionally requested to handle Sinner’s spectacular begin to the season. To date in 2024, Sinner made all of it the way in which on the Australian Open, Miami Masters and Rotterdam, whereas his lone got here in opposition to Alcaraz within the Indian Wells semifinal. Additionally, Sinner is now only one spot under Djokovic after reaching a career-high rating of No. 2 on April 1st.
“Jannik is one of the best participant on the earth this yr up to now. He has had super success. He has improved so much. Total his sport, his serve, his motion and mentally he’s at all times there,” Djokovic mentioned of Sinner in Monte Carlo.
“Within the essential matches the distinction of Jannik previously six months and earlier than that’s he’s successful the large matches. He discovered from his experiences earlier than and made himself a harder participant. Extra of an enormous time participant.”
In Monte Carlo, Djokovic is the top-seeded participant whereas Sinner is the No. 2 seed. Since Djokovic is within the high half of the draw and Sinner within the backside half of the draw, their assembly within the Principality may solely come within the last.
After a first-round bye, Djokovic performs in opposition to Roman Safiullin his Monte Carlo opener, whereas Sinner takes on the winner of the match between Sebastian Korda and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
