Despite being the elder statesman of the ATP Tour at age 37, Novak Djokovic has been included as a member of the new Big Three in tennis by Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee.
Having been on the ATP Tour for over two decades, Djokovic was a member of the original Big Three, which included fierce rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With the latter two either retired or on the verge of retirement, Djokovic still looks to be going strong. This year, the Serbian was a semifinalist at the Australian Open, finished runner-up at the Wimbledon Championships, before winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
Following his third round loss at the 2024 US Open, Djokovic will end a season without winning a Major title for the first time since 2017. Nonetheless, McNamee still has faith in the Serbian’s ability to win a Grand Slam title in the future.
“Oh, of course! There is a new Big Three – Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz,” said the four-time Grand Slam titlist. “I would say that Novak is still the favourite in Australia to win his 11th title. I think Novak is No.1 in Melbourne.
“Here, Alexei Popyrin played brilliantly, but it is clear how much winning the gold drained Novak. Apart from Australia, I think he is also the favourite at Wimbledon. If he doesn’t win a Slam next year, that question [of retirement] will be asked.
“On the other hand, it is also a deeply personal question. Andy [Murray] probably played too long, but he wanted to play. It is a personal decision when someone retires. Personally, I think he will play the whole next year and see how it goes.”