Toni Nadal, who served as his nephew Rafael’s coach throughout his legendary career, caused controversy when he claimed that the quality of tennis has declined in recent years. However, Novak Djokovic has completely rejected the statement.

Nadal stated in an interview: “We have placed Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz as the two leaders of yesteryear and today. The top tennis players of a few years ago were better than those of today. I think that it is most likely so. That, before the players were noticeably better and much more competitive than those of the present moment.”

He further added some remarks about Novak Djokovic and said: “The current Djokovic is well below that of five or ten years ago. I am surprised by the general lack of consistency and regularity. With the exception of Djokovic and Alcaraz, the level offered by the majority is disappointing.”

Djokovic quickly refuted Nadal’s assertions that the quality of the top players in the men’s game is declining. He stated: “I don’t agree with that because each generation has a group of great players who lead.  Now there are Sinner, Rune, and Alcaraz. They have dominated most tournaments in the last two years.”

Djokovic further claimed: “The way Carlos plays, how he defends, how he attacks… It is very complete. Alcaraz would have won the same thing 10 or 15 years ago. Each generation has its own champions. Tennis has changed and evolved.”

Djokovic at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2023

Now the world no.2, Djokovic has achieved a compiled 43-5 record in 2023. Djokovic is now playing at the U.S. Open where he managed to beat the world no.84 Alexandre Muller 6-0 6-2 6-3

, the world no.76 Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-4 6-1 6-1, the world no.38 Laslo Djere 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-1 6-3, the world no.105 Borna Gojo 6-2 7-5 6-4 and the world no.9 Taylor Fritz 6-1 6-4 6-4.

Novak Djokovic will take on the world no.47 Ben Shelton in the semifinal on Friday at 3:00 pm on ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM. They have never competed against each other till now on the main tour.

Djokovic clinched 4 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open and Cincinnati. Djokovic got to the final in Wimbledon.

Djokovic won 95 titles in his career: 51 on hard courts, 19 on clay courts, 17 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

Novak Djokovic

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