In a recent interview with **Sky Sport**, former tennis professional and coach **Ivan Ljubicic** offered a candid analysis of the current landscape in men’s tennis, focusing on the futures of prominent players **Novak Djokovic**, **Carlos Alcaraz**, and **Jannik Sinner**. Ljubicic’s insights come as anticipation builds for the ATP Finals in Turin, where the top eight players of the season compete for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis.
Ljubicic, who coached **Roger Federer** during a significant phase of his career, confidently asserted that Jannik Sinner stands as the “absolute favorite” for the ATP Finals. His assertion is grounded in Sinner’s impressive performances throughout the season, particularly on hard courts, and his notable form demonstrated at the **Shanghai Rolex Masters** and **The Six Kings Slam**. According to Ljubicic, Sinner’s ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations has set him apart from his peers, including the rising star Alcaraz.
“Sinner is the big favorite at the ATP Finals in Turin, also because Alcaraz still has to convince me indoors,” Ljubicic stated. “His level is very high outdoors, but when he plays indoors, he suffers.” This observation is particularly poignant as it underscores the significance of playing conditions in tennis, which can dramatically affect a player’s performance. Alcaraz’s struggles in indoor settings were highlighted by Ljubicic, who recalled the mental challenges the Spaniard faced during last year’s finals. “In Turin, he suffered a lot last year, especially from a mental point of view. Let’s see if things will change,” he added, hinting that Alcaraz still has work to do to prove his capabilities in varied conditions.
While acknowledging Alcaraz’s talent, Ljubicic pointed to **Alexander Zverev** as a more significant threat to Sinner’s chances at the finals. Zverev, a two-time champion of the tournament, first clinched the title in 2018 in London after defeating Djokovic, and then again in 2021 in Turin, where he bested Daniil Medvedev. Ljubicic emphasized Zverev’s experience and past successes as factors that could make him a formidable opponent for Sinner in Turin. “If we want to look for someone who is closer to Jannik, I would say Alexander Zverev. But Jannik, without a doubt, is the big favorite,” he stated confidently.
Shifting the focus to Djokovic, the conversation took a contemplative turn as Ljubicic addressed the Serbian’s recent decision to withdraw from the **Paris Rolex Masters**. Djokovic’s announcement stirred concerns about his qualifications for the ATP Finals in Turin, as he continues to manage both physical and mental challenges. “Unfortunately, I will not be playing the Rolex Paris Masters this year. I apologize to everyone who was hoping to see me play there,” Djokovic expressed, reflecting on his storied history at the tournament, having won the title seven times. This decision is indicative of Djokovic’s strategic approach to his career at this stage, prioritizing specific tournaments over a packed schedule.
Ljubicic remarked on Djokovic’s current mindset, suggesting that the Serbian is at a crossroads regarding his career trajectory. “What do I expect from Djokovic? I don’t know, and I don’t think he knows either at the moment. This is a time when he’s aiming to win important tournaments and not to climb the rankings. To climb the rankings, you have to play more, but he’s not physically and mentally ready for this now.” This candid assessment raises critical questions about Djokovic’s future in the sport as he balances his ambitions with the realities of aging and physical strain.
In a recent match in Shanghai, however, Djokovic demonstrated that he still possesses the ability to compete at the highest level when he chooses to play. “In Shanghai, however, he showed us that when he decides to play, he’s the one who can worry the best,” Ljubicic observed, emphasizing that Djokovic remains a formidable opponent on the court despite his absences. However, Ljubicic expressed doubt about Djokovic’s participation in the ATP Finals, suggesting that his focus may shift to next season.
Joining the conversation, tennis analyst **Paolo Bertolucci** echoed Ljubicic’s sentiments regarding Djokovic’s future. Bertolucci analyzed the implications of Djokovic’s recent changes in his team, noting, “He changed teams because he couldn’t stand the pressure of such a heavy daily workload.” This statement highlights the psychological aspects of professional tennis, where the mental strain can weigh heavily on players, influencing their performance and decisions. Bertolucci further queried the significance of additional titles for Djokovic, considering his unparalleled success. “What does one more or less title change for a player who has won what he has won?” he pondered, indicating that Djokovic’s priorities may have shifted toward achieving success in Grand Slam tournaments rather than accumulating titles in every event.
Reflecting on Djokovic’s ambitions, Bertolucci emphasized that the Serbian’s focus seems to be firmly set on the Grand Slam tournaments, hinting at a desire to secure further accolades rather than competing in every tournament. “At this point, he’s almost given up. If he qualifies, he’ll go to Turin; otherwise, that’s it,” he concluded, suggesting that Djokovic may be selective about his commitments moving forward.
This period of uncertainty for Djokovic comes at a pivotal moment in the men’s game, where younger players like Sinner and Alcaraz are establishing themselves as serious contenders for the sport’s top honors. As these emerging stars demonstrate their prowess, the landscape of men’s tennis is evolving, prompting questions about the future roles of established icons like Djokovic.
As the ATP Finals approach, the spotlight will be on Jannik Sinner, who is poised to capitalize on his current form and possibly secure his first title at this prestigious event. The battle among the top players promises to be intense, with Sinner looking to fend off challenges from both Alcaraz and Zverev, while Djokovic’s future participation remains a tantalizing question mark.
In summary, Ivan Ljubicic’s insights offer a compelling look at the dynamic shifts occurring in men’s tennis, especially as new talents rise and established players like Djokovic navigate the latter stages of their careers. The interplay of mental fortitude, strategic planning, and physical readiness will ultimately define the paths of these athletes as they vie for supremacy in an increasingly competitive arena. As fans eagerly await the ATP Finals in Turin, the narratives surrounding these players will undoubtedly unfold, shaping the future of men’s tennis in the years to come.