​Novak Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and his career has unfolded amid rivalries with some of the sport’s all-time greats. In the early stages, he faced off against legendary figures like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, while in more recent years he has contended with rising stars such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Despite the ongoing competition and the shifting landscape of men’s tennis, Djokovic has pushed back against the idea that he is merely “chasing” anyone. He has consistently framed his pursuit as a personal quest to add more achievements to his already remarkable resume rather than a simple pursuit of rivals.
This season at Wimbledon, Djokovic’s run ended with a three-set semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner, a result that paved the way for Sinner to claim the championship a few days later. The outcome sparked a discussion about whether Djokovic is now in a mode of “chasing” Sinner and Alcaraz, just as he had previously been described as chasing Nadal and Federer. When a reporter confronted him with the notion that he might be chasing the younger generation, Djokovic did not mince words.
“Who am I chasing, Jannik and Carlos? In what sense?” Djokovic asked, signaling his frustration with the framing. “I’m always the chaser and never been chased?” The journalist acknowledged Djokovic’s standing, noting that he had already claimed 24 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic responded with a touch of humor and a sober reminder that his success did not happen in a vacuum: “Thanks. It’s worth saying that sometimes, right?” Yet he insisted on putting things into perspective.
Djokovic stressed that a significant portion of his career—roughly a 15-year stretch—was defined by his dominance at the Grand Slams, a period that spanned beyond the era of Nadal and Federer and extended into a time when Alcaraz and Sinner began to emerge as serious contenders. He argued that it was important to recognize the broader arc of his career, not just the moments when newer rivals rose to prominence.
While acknowledging the superior form that Sinner and Alcaraz display today, Djokovic insisted that he is not chasing them. He reaffirmed that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer remain among his greatest rivals and he expressed immense respect for the new generation’s performances. He predicted that Sinner and Alcaraz will remain central figures in the sport for years to come, highlighting their youth and potential while noting that age and experience will continue to shape the dynamics of competition.
“I don’t feel like I’m chasing, to be honest,” Djokovic said. “Rafa and Roger will always be my greatest rivals. I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing, and they will continue to do, for the next 10, 15, 20 years—or as long as they’re going to play, they’re so young.” He added that he does not believe he is chasing anyone; rather, he is in the process of creating his own history.
When asked whether Alcaraz and Sinner are presently better than he is, Djokovic conceded that they are indeed playing at a higher level at the moment. The quality and depth of their tennis are remarkable, he said, and it’s exciting to watch. Nevertheless, he emphasized that this does not equate to surrender or a white flag. He pledged to fight for every last shot and every final point, vowing to bring his best effort to challenge them for as long as he can still compete.
In Djokovic’s view, success is not simply a matter of following the footsteps of others or chasing trends. It is about carving out his own path, maintaining the drive to compete at the highest level, and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in his sport. As the conversation around chasing versus competing continues, Djokovic’s stance remains clear: he is not chasing anyone; he is focused on his own legacy and on defending his standing through relentless effort, strategic mastery, and a commitment to excellence that has defined his extraordinary career.