World No. 4 Novak Djokovic may be approaching the twilight of his career, but he’s still proving he can keep up with the younger generation. As he competes for his 100th ATP singles title this week at the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic has signaled a clear message to young rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, despite having a 0-1 record against Sinner and being tied 1-1 with Alcaraz this season.
The 37-year-old Serb, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, faced a challenging year in 2024, including losing his World No. 1 ranking in June and relinquishing three Grand Slam titles to Sinner and Alcaraz. Sinner, who recently secured the year-end World No. 1 ranking, is one of only three players outside the Big Three to achieve this since 2004, solidifying his position among tennis’s rising elite.
While Djokovic hasn’t claimed a Grand Slam title this season, he did win the Olympic gold medal in Paris, defeating Alcaraz in the semifinals. His season has been impacted by a meniscus tear during the French Open, forcing him to withdraw to focus on Wimbledon and the Olympics. Despite playing with a strapped right leg, Djokovic has continued to deliver remarkable performances, reaching the Wimbledon final and maintaining his dominance in the Shanghai Masters, where he will face Taylor Fritz in the semifinals on Saturday, October 12.
With a strong showing in Shanghai and his sights set on his 100th ATP title, Djokovic’s resilience signals he’s far from finished. His experience, combined with his determination to stay competitive, ensures that Alcaraz and Sinner still have a formidable opponent in the Serb as they vie for tennis’s highest honors.
