Novak Djokovic believes one current star matches the values set by the Big Three (Image: Getty)
has suggested that there is one player who can lead the sport and embody the values laid out by , , and himself.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion claimed that the Big Three had “raised the standard” of what it meant to be a champion in tennis.
While their era of dominance is now over, Djokovic believes one young player has already “stood out” to him as the next charismatic face of the sport.
With Federer and Nadal now retired, Djokovic is the last man standing from the Big Three. The trio dominated the sport for the better part of two decades, lifting the biggest trophies and sharing the No. 1 ranking.
But the times are changing in men’s tennis. While Djokovic remains in the top 10 and picked up his first Olympic gold medal last year, new champions and rivalries have emerged.
There will be a big hole to fill when Djokovic also joins Federer and Nadal in retirement, but the world No. 7 believes the sport is in safe hands with – someone he says is charismatic and has the right principles.
“We have Alcaraz and who are developing some new rivalry,” Djokovic told .
Novak Djokovic believes Carlos Alcaraz has the charisma and principles to lead the sport (Image: Getty)
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“Nadal, Federer and I, as well as , whom I have to include, have really dominated men’s tennis in the last 15 to 20 years and we have raised the standard and criteria quite high.
“Not only in terms of results, but also with all other aspects and expectations that a champion and world No. 1 should carry, how he should represent him, how he should play the role of ambassador of the sport, leader of the sport.”
Explaining why he believes Alcaraz has met their standard, the Olympic champion continued: “When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who stood out.
“Not only with his games, outstanding achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair player and kind to everyone.
“And when he loses, he loses with a smile, which is really impressive for such a young man who doesn’t have a lot of experience, but acts like he’s been on the tour for 10 years or more.”
Alcaraz has been coached by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero since he was 16, and Djokovic believes Ferrero’s influence has made him the man he is.
He added: “I think that the cause of all this is his proper upbringing, his environment, coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, former No. 1 and Grand Slam champion who passed on to him from a young age what it means to be an athlete, not only in the championship aspect of performance, achieving results and perseverance.
“But also what are the sports values and principles that should be advocated and nurtured, passed on and serve as a guiding star to the younger generations who follow tennis and who would like to one day realise themselves.”