New Delhi: Novak Djokovic will have chances to win another Grand Slam and remains among the handful of players, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who can win the Australian Open next year, says Roger Federer.
The Swiss retired two years ago and has since taken ambassadorial roles that has kept him in touch with the game and has seen his contemporaries Djokovic and Rafael Nadal navigate towards the sunset years of their careers.
While Nadal has struggled with multiple injuries and only played in the French Open this season, Djokovic competed in all the four Slams though he wasn’t able to win any of them.
The Serb won the gold medal at Paris Olympic to complete the missing silverware in decorated career and has pulled out of the Laver Cup, just like Nadal.
“With Rafa we don’t know — it remains to be seen. It’s hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year,” the 20-time Grans Slam winner said in Berlin on Wednesday, as quoted by AFP.
“Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let’s say a full season — he didn’t bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older.
“I feel like he has chances moving forward. I look forward to Australia which is the next Slam. I think he’s definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alvarez.
“I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow.”
In 2024, Sinner and Alcaraz shared the four Grand Slams. Sinner claimed the Australian and US Opens while Alcaraz lifted the French Open and Wimbledon.
Life in retirement
Federer was the brainchild of the Laver Cup, which will be held in Berlin from September 20 to 22, said staying connected with sport he left two years ago.
“I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments. I feel I ripped the band aid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there.
“I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly,” the 43-year-old said.
“People (and) players ask you ‘what are you doing here?’ and you’re like ‘exactly — if you keep talking like this, I will never come back’.
“I’m happy I’m still able to feel comfortable in a setting like this because it would be so much easier just to stay home, get comfortable at home and realise you don’t need to be on tour any more.”
Roger Federer retired from tennis two years ago and has since taken ambassadorial roles that has kept him in touch with the game Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
