Boris Becker thinks that Novak Djokovic may have indirectly admitted that winning a Grand Slam isn't a realistic option anymore because of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but also his age.
The 38-year-old former world No. 1 reached the last-four stage in all four Grand Slams this year. Still, the record 24-time Slam champion failed to make the title match in any Major this year. After retiring to Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semifinals, he got bounced in straight sets by Jannik Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz ended his US Open campaign.
On a couple of instances this year, Djokovic directly stated that Alcaraz and Sinner were a level above him. The most recent case of that came following his three-set loss to Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows.
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I think, now hes admitted that he cant realistically win a Grand Slam because of his age and the strength of the youngsters," Becker said on the Becker-Petkovic podcast.
What exactly Djokovic said about Alcaraz and Sinner 10 days ago?
That (gassed) is kind of what I felt this year also with Jannik. Yeah, best-of-five makes it very, very difficult for me to play them, particularly if it's the end stages of the Grand Slam," the 38-year-old admitted after his US Open loss.
In his presser, Djokovic confirmed his intention to play again in 2026. But made it perfectly clear that he is aware how difficult it will be for him to achieve his goals.
It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams. I think I have a better chance best of three, but best of five, it's tough," the former world No. 1 said.
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If Djokovic somehow pulls this off and wins another Grand Slam, he will become the first-ever male or female tennis player with 25 Majors in singles.
