Novak Djokovic, 36, responds to Toni Nadal's claim that he is 'worse player' today

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic does not really agree with Toni Nadal's claim that he is now "undoubtedly a worse player" than he was 10 years ago. “The top tennis players of a few years ago were better than those of now. Before, the players were significantly better and much more competitive than those of the present moment.

The Djokovic of now is worse than the one of 5 or 10 years ago. Without a doubt," Toni wrote for El Pais. Djokovic, 36, has made three Grand Slam finals this year. Addressing Uncle Toni's comments, Djokovic suggested it is very evident that his level is still more than good enough to be winning Slams.

"What is certain is that it would be a great battle. Of course I had more energy and mobility, but now I have more experience and I am much stronger mentally. With my team, I try to be better every year because it is the only way to face today's young people to win the Grand Slam," Djokovic said.

Djokovic doesn't agree with Uncle Toni's claims

Djokovic also disagreed with Uncle Toni's claim that today's top players cannot be compared to the top players of 10 years ago.

Addressing Uncle Toni's claim on that, Djokovic explained that someone like Carlos Alcaraz would have certainly been winning the same 10 or 15 years ago. "I don't agree with that because each generation has a group of great players who lead.

Now there are Sinner, Rune and Alcaraz. They are dominating most tournaments in the last two years. The way Carlos plays, how he defends, how he attacks... It is very complete. Alcaraz would have won the same thing 10 or 15 years ago.

Each generation has its own champions. Tennis has changed and evolved," Djokovic said.

Yesterday, Novak Djokovic responded to some of Toni Nadal’s latest comments, the first being that Novak is a worse player than what he was 10 years ago:

"What is certain is that it would be a great battle.

Of course I had more energy and mobility, but now I have more experience… pic.twitter.com/rL5LDULcAW — Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 6, 2023

Meanwhile, Djokovic is bidding to win his third Grand Slam title of the year and push his Grand Slam record to 24 titles.