Novak Djokovic knows all about being the leading man on the tennis court. He also knows just as well about being the third wheel.
If there is anyone possessing the perfect perspective of the world of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that it seems tennis fans are residing in, the 24-time Grand Slam champion would be that go-to guy, and as Djokovic continues his quest for that 25th major title—which would make him stand all alone in the sport in terms of Grand Slam titles in singles—here at the US Open, his thoughts about possibly breaking up the hegemony at the top of the sport with Jannik and Carlos turned into a quick trip down memory lane.
“I kind of empathize with the third guy, because I was in those shoes with Federer and Nadal,” a smiling Djokovic said. “I want to see a third guy coming in.”
Could that third guy here at the US Open also be the guy who’s lifted the trophy in Flushing four times already?
Djokovic is as rested as he has been all season, coming into Flushing not playing a match since his semifinal loss to Alcaraz at Wimbledon. At this stage of his career, the 38-year-old Djokovic continues to take a selective approach on what tournaments to play outside of the majors to give him the best shot at Jannik and Carlos… and all others in his way as he continues to stave off Father Time with every last Grand Slam he participates in.
“It's just not, anymore, prioritizing the heavy schedule as I used to. I'm not chasing the rankings or building up my points or defending [points], et cetera,” Djokovic said. “I just don't think about it anymore.
“For me, it's really about where do I find motivation and joy? Where will I be inspired to play the best tennis? And where do I care to be, really, and play? And the Slams are obviously the four main tournaments where I always feel the most motivation. Then the other tournaments here and there... I don't actually have any schedule other than Slams, to be honest.”
Djokovic admits that most of the rest of his personal calendar is used to prioritize can’t-miss off-the-court moments, especially with his family. Though, if he does well enough during the fortnight here in Flushing Meadows, specifically if he makes it to the second week, there’s a good chance that his imperious tennis will once again interfere with daddy-daughter time.
“Family, of course, is the main [priority] and being there for the important dates—speaking of which, I'm going to miss out, maybe, going to miss out on my daughter's birthday. It's the second of September, so if I'm doing well I'm still here,” Djokovic said.
“But those are the types of things that I really don't want to be missing anymore. So it's just on a personal level for me important to be there, to show up, you know, for the people that have been showing up for me for all these years playing tennis.”
Those who have shown up all those years, family and fans alike, saw the entire career arc from the young player threatening Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top and falling just short to the unstoppable force that soon blew past the two other legends to the very top of the record books. But now, as both Sinner and Alcaraz dominate the game while having youth (and immense games) on their side, and as both have conquered Djokovic in Grand Slam tournaments over the past couple of years, the Serb has the perfect seat to watch what may very well be the latest dynasty in men’s tennis.
Though Djokovic would certainly like to see someone else step up to the challenge of taking down tennis’ current final boss duo.
“When it comes to individual sports like ours or boxing, Formula 1 racing, whatever it is, golf, people love to see rivalries,” Djokovic said. “I think their rivalry is, without a doubt, the best one we have at the moment. And it looks like it's going to stay like that for some time.
“And then you have obviously other young players that are definitely going to challenge them, and hopefully somebody can get in the mix. …There are players that are able to have that joker spot, the third spot.”
Whether he meant “joker” or “Djoker” remains to be seen. We might know for sure two weeks from now.
