Novak Djokovic is ranked only number 7 in the world, but only because the points he gained by winning Wimbledon were not counted. Furthermore, he could not also compete in some key tournaments like the Australian Open and the US Open because of the travel restrictions.
Novak Djokovic is still probably the player to beat and he is very well aware that he is in the last part of his incredible career, with some youngsters catching up. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune are among the upcoming tennis players to watch.
During an entertaining interview in Paris, the Serbian sensation said that he would try to contain the ascent of the new players as much as he can. “So I think it is good that there are some new faces, but I will not give up. I will make sure I kick their butts for as long as I possibly can! They will kick my butt sometimes maybe, but hopefully, less than I kick theirs,” said Novak jokingly.
Novak Djokovic in 2022
Ranked world no.7, the Serbian played his last match on the 9th of October when he beat world no.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the final in Astana to win his 90th career title.
This season the Serbian has achieved an overall 33-6 match record. Novak conquered 4 titles in 2022 in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel Aviv and Astana. Djokovic reached the final in Belgrade.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2022
Currently the world no.1, Carlos played his last match on the 29th of October when he surrendered to world no.8 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in Basel (draw).
During this season Carlos has a 55-12 record. The Spaniard clinched 5 titles in 2022 in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona, Madrid and U.S. Open. The Spaniard was the finalist in Hamburg and in Umag.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz clashed against each other just 1 time. Their record is 1-0 for Alcaraz. When they played, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5) in the semifinal in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) on the 7th of May 2022.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Jannik Sinner in 2022
At the moment ranked no.12, the Italian played his last match on the 28th of October when he was overcome by world no.3 Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-2 in the quarter in Vienna (draw).
This season the Italian has a 47-15 match record. The Italian conquered 1 title in Umag.
Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune in 2022
At the moment ranked no.18 (career-high), Holger played his last encounter on the 30th of October when he was overcome by world no.8 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 7-5 in the final in Basel (draw).
This year Holger has a 44-27 record. Rune clinched 3 titles in 2022 in the Sanremo Challenger, Munich and Stockholm. The Dane was the finalist in Sofia and in Basel.
Jannik Sinner and Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune played each other once. The head to head is 1-0 for Rune. When they played, Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune won 5-7 6-4 5-2 ret. in the semifinal in Sofia (Sofia Open) on the 1st of October 2022.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.