Novak Djokovic explains why Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have actually motivated him to continue playing

Sinner has since taken over in that regard, with the Italian having claimed five successive ATP Masters 1000 titles.

But rather than having a negative impact on Djokovic, such dominance has been having a positive impact on the Serbian veteran.

Jannik Sinner is now a bigger favorite to win Roland Garros than Rafael Nadal ever was

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Novak Djokovic says how Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have motivated him

Djokovic told TNT Sports ahead of Roland Garros: “Of course, Jannik and Carlos are the dominant force of men’s tennis in the last couple of years, and I do think about our match-ups a lot, and when I get the chance, I always try to learn something new about myself about going head-to-head with these guys.

“I’ve played quite a few matches against them in the last two years, so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to really match myself against them at a big stage.

“The rivalries that I’ve developed with both Jannik and Carlos are great, and the matches I have against them on the biggest stage, particularly the ones in the last two years, have taught me a lot and given me tasks.

“I think about my game and what needs to be done on the practice court to get better, and to be honest, the matches against the best players in the world, experiencing in the later stages of the biggest tournaments in the world, is one of the greatest inspirations for me to continue competing.”

Djokovic beat Sinner at the Australian Open to take their head-to-head record to 5-6, before Alcaraz levelled their record at 5-5 after winning the final in Melbourne.

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It’s a really admirable attitude from Djokovic, who continues to challenge the leading duo despite recently turning 39.

He could now be reunited with Sinner at Roland Garros, but not with Alcaraz given his absence from the Grand Slam due to injury.

Djokovic plays Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his opening match at the clay-court Grand Slam, which he has won three times.

The ATP icon made his debut at the tournament all the way back in 2005, and has since posted a stunning record of 101-17.

And while Djokovic has a very difficult Roland Garros draw, he has huge motivation as he continues his search for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Fittingly, he represents the last man other than Sinner or Alcaraz to win a Grand Slam title thanks to his 2023 US Open triumph.