Eliminated in the quarter-finals in Rome by the Dane Rune, the Serb who will lose his place as world No. 1 is delighted that tennis is seeing new players shine.
For the first time in 19 years, neither Novak Djokovic nor the injured Rafael Nadal will take part in the Rome final. Beaten 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the quarter-finals on Wednesday by a frustrated Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic has, in words reported by Reuters, said the “ generation change long-awaited had finally arrived in men’s tennis after the dominance of the “ Big Three made up of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and the Serb for almost two decades.
Novak Djokovic, who has just lost twice in a row against the Dane Rune (in the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 final last November, then in Rome), said that the new generation of players led by world number two Carlos Alcaraz was like a breath of fresh air for tennis. : “ A new generation is already here. Alcaraz (No. 1 next Monday) is playing extraordinary tennis. It’s a good thing for our sport to have new faces, new players. It has been said for years that we can expect this moment to come when we witness a kind of generational change. I always try to hold on to them. I always want to continue. Let’s see how far I can play. »
Djokovic, who recently injured his right elbow, called the physio during his match against Rune and took a painkiller for relief.
When asked, will Roland Garros (May 28-June 11) be the most open tournament in years, Djokovic smiled and replied: “ It depends if Nadal plays or not (the Spaniard will announce his decision at 4 p.m. this Thursday at a press conference). But next to him, Alcaraz, Rune – these guys are in contention, they are among the biggest favorites to win the title. »