Novak Djokovic has opened up about the physical demands of competing against younger rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, particularly in the latter stages of tournaments. Speaking candidly after being asked whether he can still challenge them in the remaining events of the season, Djokovic emphasized the growing importance of physical conditioning in modern tennis.
The role of physicality in elite competition
Djokovic acknowledged that shorter formats, such as best-of-three matches, offer a slightly more manageable challenge compared to the grueling best-of-five contests. However, he stressed that physical readiness remains essential across all formats.
“The physicality is logically the biggest factor in best-of-three, rather than best-of-five. But it’s all connected, obviously, with the mental part and the game-wise”, he said.
He explained that even a slight dip in physical sharpness can have a ripple effect on performance, influencing everything from rally execution to overall match strategy.
“If you’re physically not at your hundred percent against these guys, you know, you feel like you’re half a step slower, and that affects the whole game. It affects the whole play, the rallies, and different aspects of the encounter”, Djokovic added.
Accepting biological realities
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also reflected on the natural changes that come with age, particularly when facing younger opponents deep into tournaments. He admitted that maintaining freshness in the latter rounds has become increasingly difficult.
“That’s what I said after the US Open, because I really felt that playing best-of-five against these guys at the latter stages of the tournament makes it really challenging for me. I feel like I don’t come in as fresh as they do in the semis. That’s okay. I mean, that’s just a biological fact that eventually I have to accept”, he stated.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains committed to pushing himself and competing at the highest level.
“I’m still working my hardest that I possibly can in the circumstances to challenge the guys or to challenge myself primarily, and really see how I can do on all the tournaments that I take part in”, he said.
Targeting success in Masters events
Looking ahead, Djokovic sees the Masters tournaments as a more favorable battleground. These events, typically played over two weeks, offer a format and schedule that he believes better suit his current physical condition.
“The Masters events are played over almost two weeks. That’s where I feel I have a better chance, you know, to win a trophy or to make a significant result”, he concluded.
As the season progresses, Djokovic’s focus will be on managing his physical preparation while continuing to compete with the sport’s rising stars. His remarks offer insight into the evolving dynamics of elite tennis and the resilience required to remain competitive at the top.
ATP Shanghai - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Jannik Sinner in 2025
At the moment ranked no.2, Jannik played his last match on the 3rd of October when he capitulated to Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Shanghai (draw).
This season Sinner achieved a 42-5 match record. Jannik has won 3 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Sinner reached the final in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Vienna. The main draw will start on the 20th of October.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Currently the world no.1, Carlos played his last match on the 30th of September when he overcame world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the final in Tokyo to win his 25th career title.
This year Carlos achieved an overall 67-7 record. The Spaniard conquered 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Alcaraz was the finalist in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 27th of October.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz squared off 16 times. Their current record is 11-5 for Alcaraz.