Novak Djokovic has proclaimed that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have “established themselves as the two best players in the world.”

The great Serb asserted he is “physically and mentally ready to play my tennis again” and expressed his belief that he can challenge his rivals.

Sinner and Alcaraz solidified their statuses as the leading players of their generation by splitting the four Grand Slam titles between them in 2024.

The Italian won the Australian Open and the US Open, while the Spaniard triumphed at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Sinner finished the season as the ATP world No 1 by a significant margin after winning eight titles, while Alcaraz currently occupies third spot behind Alexander Zverev after a four-title campaign.

Djokovic won his only title of the year at the Paris Olympics in August, when he downed Alcaraz in the gold medal match.

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In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Djokovic reflected on his historic achievement of winning his first gold medal.

“The Olympic gold is an important achievement also because it is the only title won this season. But it is also what I had marked as most important at the beginning of the year,” the world No 7 said.

“The gold was a dream, therefore a priority. It has been my great ambition for many years, despite the failed attempts, with the three lost semi-finals and the bronze in my first participation in 2008.

“So, I told myself that, at my 37 years, it was perhaps the last opportunity to hang this medal around my neck, especially at Roland Garros, a court that is very familiar to me.

“After the knee operation and the Wimbledon final, I felt ready and I believe I demonstrated it with my performance at the Olympics.

“In the end, I have made a dream come true and it is undoubtedly one of the best moments, if not the best of my career.”

The former world No 1 added: “In 2024, I didn’t play much and, aside from the Olympic gold and the Wimbledon final, it was perhaps the least successful season of the last ten years, with many ups and downs, personal matters to resolve as well.

“However, I feel that I can still play at a high level. Meanwhile, Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the two best players in the world, not to mention Zverev.

“All of them will be the main contenders to win Slams and other titles. But physically and mentally, I am ready to play my tennis again. I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys and my experience can be useful.

“So, next year, I will play more tournaments and the Slams in particular will be my priority. I will give my best to win, of course if my body allows me. But I am well, I still have time to rest and analyse what I can improve to do better than last season.”

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