Novak Djokovic said no player is bigger than the sport, and they are all servants of the great game. After Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray’s retirement from the game, Djokovic is the only one of the Big 4, who is still going strong at the top level.
The Serbian, 37, is not just participating but he is making consistent deeper runs in the big tournaments and has been giving a run for their money to the younger lads.
Earlier in the season, Djokovic made it to the Australian Open semifinal but was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury. The Serbian also made it to the final of the Miami Open but could not cross the final hurdle against youngster Jakub Mensik.
“You can feel there’s a shift,” Djokovic said in his press conference at the ATP Masters 1000 event. “Not only in terms of the generations of players [who now have] the main focus and attention, but I guess it takes a little bit of time for people to accept the fact that Roger and Rafa are not playing, and Murray, and I guess one day myself, but I’m still trying to stay there and represent the older guys, the older generation.”
Djokovic will make his first Madrid appearance since 2022 and has won the title on three occasions.
The Serbian said the crowds have been coming in huge numbers to see him in action and it motivates him to keep going at the top level.
“That’s also one of the reasons why I keep on playing is because I feel like it also helps tennis still thrive on the attention and crowd coming in, watching tournaments and getting interested,” added Djokovic. “If you see the numbers actually of the attendance in the Grand Slams, and some [other tournaments], [there has been] record-breaking crowds in the last few years.”
The 24-time champion said the crowd attendance should not depend on big players and it is good to have young players rising through the ranks.
“[It’s] good news that it shouldn’t be dependent on the big stars or legends of the game that retired,” Djokovic continued. “The sport should outlive everyone, the sport will outlive everyone, and the sport is more important than anybody individually. So we are all here in the service of a sport as well.”
Novak will open his Madrid campaign against Matteo Arnaldi on Saturday.
