Former Spanish player Feliciano Lopez reckons Novak Djokovic is not at the same level of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, while playing in the fag end of his career. Earlier in the season, Djokovic made it to the semifinal of the Australian Open but suffered a hamstring injury and had to retire hurt against Alexander Zverev.
The Serbian once again made it to the semifinal of the Roland Garros but suffered a straight-set loss against Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz and Sinner then played an epic final, which lasted for five hours and 29 minutes.
Djokovic surprisingly didn’t win any Grand Slam title in 2024 with Alcaraz and Sinner winning two each. The former World No.1 is chasing his 25th Major to become the most successful player in Tennis history, for both male and female.
Lopez said on Sky Sports Tennis, “He’s not at the levels of Carlos and Jannik, especially in the last 18 months, because the numbers speak for themselves.”
Lopez, who achieved his career-high singles ranking of world No. 12, was surprised by the level with which Djokovic played against Sinner in the semis of the French Open despite suffering a straight-set loss.
“But the way he played against Sinner surprised me. He challenged Sinner and pushed him to the limit,” Lopez continued.
“Although the gap is still big, I see the grass as the only place for him to get to this level that they play because the grass is very different. Djokovic proved that he can still compete at this level but he will have a better chance on grass,” Lopez concluded.
Djokovic still has some fuel left in his old tank and he would look to be at his best in the upcoming Wimbledon, where he would be chasing his eighth title.
