Novak Djokovic has endured likely his toughest start to a year in recent memory on the ATP tour, with the former world number one showing little signs of recovery.
After all, as his powers decline, the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are evolving, creating a monopoly at the top of the men’s game that few others have breached.
Last year, this duo shared all four of the Grand Slam titles.
Already they are poised to do so again in 2025.
However, his legacy remains as strong as ever, hence why both Andy Roddick and Jim Courier have suggested that Sinner could learn a thing or two from the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Jim Courier offers Jannik Sinner advice after Italian Open final defeat
Asked what Sinner needs to do to improve, following yet another defeat to Alcaraz, Courier picked up where his compatriot left off by focusing on one area of the Italian’s game.
He stated: ‘So let’s drill down on that second serve return. At the end of the set, it seemed like in the deuce court he was starting to drift a little bit deeper which makes sense from a geometry standpoint right? If Alcaraz does swing the serve out wide, he’s got a forehand which he can crank up.
‘He doesn’t have that luxury on the ad court with the kicker going into the backhand. Does he need to take a page out of Djokovic’s playbook and just go heavy deep through the middle with that second return in the ad court, standing up on the baseline so he doesn’t get put too far out of court with the backhand?’
Roddick replied: ‘Yeah, I think so. If the match is played through the centre of the court, that’s advantage Sinner. As soon as it gets led towards the sidelines, that’s advantage Alcaraz.’
Alcaraz labelled Djokovic ‘crazy’ earlier this month, showing how his quality and dedication still resonates with the younger generation.
When is Novak Djokovic’s next tennis match?
Novak Djokovic has not played a competitive tennis match since his first-round exit in Madrid, choosing to skip the Italian Open in favour of a refreshing training period.
And yet, he still likely has aspirations of enjoying a run at Roland Garros, particularly given his decision to play in the Geneva 250 event in the week leading up to the next Grand Slam.
Therefore, the Serbian’s first match back will be tomorrow, seeking to enjoy a deep run in a competition that does boast some top talent.
He is clearly not alone in seeking to find some form and fitness ahead of the French Open, with Taylor Fritz and Tomas Machac two other seeded players in the draw.
Given how Djokovic stormed into the quarter-finals last year despite his knee injury, the 37-year-old will be hoping to upset the odds once again in the French capital.
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