Tennis Updates: Novak Djokovic on the Generational Shift in Tennis

Novak Djokovic reflects on the end of the Big Four era in tennis and his desire to continue contributing to the sport. Get the latest updates and insights.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has acknowledged the changing landscape of tennis with the emergence of a new generation of players. However, the 37-year-old Serbian legend has no intention of fading into the background. Despite struggling to replicate his 2023 form, where he won three out of four major titles, Djokovic remains determined to compete at the highest level.

The rise of players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has shifted the spotlight, with the pair combining to win four Grand Slam titles last year. Nevertheless, Djokovic is focused on adapting to the new era and finding ways to stay competitive, rather than quietly stepping aside for the younger generation [1].

Novak Djokovic is now the last member of the “Big Four” still active in professional tennis, following the retirements of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, and Andy Murray. “The last 20 years were dominated mostly by the four of us,” Djokovic said at the Madrid Open. He acknowledged the shift in focus and attention towards new generations of players.

“I think it takes a bit of time for people to accept the fact that Roger and Rafa are not playing, and Murray, and one day myself,” Djokovic added. Despite this shift, Djokovic expressed his desire to continue contributing to the sport.

“But I'm still trying to stay and represent the older guys, the older generation. Hopefully, that brings the positive effect to the tournaments and to the tour itself,” he added.

“You can feel there's a shift,” @DjokerNole 🎙️

Not only in terms of the generations of players [who now have] the main focus and attention...

but I'm still trying to stay there and represent the older guys, the older generation.” pic.twitter.com/D1cySTmzM3

— TRAVEL&Sp🎾rts (@travel__Sports) April 25, 2025

“That's also one of the reasons why I keep on playing, because I feel like it also helps tennis still thrive on the attention and crowd coming in and watching tournaments and getting interested.”

Djokovic, who is eyeing his 100th tour-level title before the French Open starts on May 25th, said no player would ever be bigger than tennis.

“The sport should outlive everyone, the sport will outlive everyone, and it's more important than anybody individually,” he added.

Djokovic on The Big Three’s dominance and Carlos Alcaraz, ‘Carlos is still not 23.. We have to remember that what he has done for his age is also not normal’

“You were saying Carlos and his level is already where you guys were or something. In terms of injuries and things like… pic.twitter.com/jLeLfDj4QN

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 25, 2025

“We're all here in the service of the sport.”