Djokovic hits back at Uncle Nadal
* Djokovic - Shelton: 2:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, Hanoi time.
"I don't agree with him, because each generation has a group of good tennis players at the forefront," Djokovic said after the US Open reporter quoted Uncle Nadal's comments on September 7. "Now we have Sinner, Rune and Alcaraz, who have dominated many tournaments in the past two years. Alcaraz is all-round offensively and is a perfect player. He would also dominate if he went back 10 or 15 years "Tennis changes and develops, each generation has its own champions."
Previously, Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni, said that the current Djokovic is 5-10 years younger than he was 5-10 years ago. He believes that Djokovic benefits partly because today's players are not as good as the stars of the past decade, and believes that tennis 10 years ago was more competitive than it is now.
"Clearly, Nadal was better than Medvedev in the past, Murray was better than Zverev, Wawrinka was better than Ruud," Mr. Toni Nadal commented on El Pais. "Del Potro will definitely defeat Rublev, and Ferrer is no worse than Rune. I am surprised with the current general level of tennis. Not counting Djokovic and Alcaraz, the level of the rest is disappointing."
When asked about comparing himself now and 10 years ago, Djokovic joked that he would beat his previous self. "When I was younger I had more energy and moved better, but now I'm more experienced and mentally stronger," he said. "I try to get better every year because that's the only way to face today's young players in the fight for the Grand Slam."
Of the stars of the last decade, only Djokovic has remained in top form. Roger Federer, David Ferrer and Juan Martin del Potro have retired, Rafael Nadal is constantly injured, and Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have not been able to advance deeply in the Grand Slam when they return.
Djokovic will play the US Open semi-finals with 20-year-old young talent Ben Shelton at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, Hanoi time. At 6 a.m. on the same day, Carlos Alcaraz will meet Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final, also at the Arthur Ashe Center.
