Novak Djokovic has been brutally criticised by Rafael Nadal’s former coach.
Novak Djokovic has been knocked down a peg by Rafael Nadal’s uncle (Picture: Getty)
Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni, believes Novak Djokovic has declined to the extent he’s now clearly worse than a participant with none Grand Slam titles. The veteran Serb hasn’t gained a match since claiming Olympic gold two years in the past and seems to be nearing the twilight of his profession. The one member of the so-called Large Three to nonetheless be taking part in professionally, he’ll have a good time his thirty ninth birthday later this 12 months.
It has been clear for a while that Djokovic is not the unstoppable power he as soon as was. The likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have emerged because the dominant gamers of the present technology, having gained all the final 9 Grand Slams between them. Djokovic, in the meantime, hasn’t prevailed on the most important stage apart from the Olympics since his US Open triumph in 2023.
Toni, finest identified for teaching his legendary nephew, believes Djokovic is even worse than Alexander Zverev regardless of the German’s lack of Grand Slam titles.
Throughout an look on the Onda Cero radio community, Nadal stated: “He [Zverev] is a harmful rival and, for me, he’s clearly higher than Djokovic is at the moment.
“If Zverev had gained that match [the Australian Open semi-final against Alcaraz], he in all probability would have gained the ultimate too. It could change him as a result of it offers you additional confidence and takes away the stress he has to win a Grand Slam.”
Djokovic is but to announce any plans to retire from tennis, however he hinted at a doable exit from the game after his defeat to Alcaraz within the Australian Open remaining.
He claimed that he did not know what the long run held for him, telling the followers at Rod Laver Enviornment that it had been ‘an awesome trip’.
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