As the tennis world gears up for the ATP Finals 2024, former Croatian tennis star Ivan Ljubicic has shared some intriguing insights about the state of the men’s circuit. Ljubicic, who once coached the legendary Roger Federer and now guides a group of promising young French players, recently appeared on Italian television to discuss the current dynamics in men’s tennis. In a wide-ranging interview, he spoke about Novak Djokovic’s ongoing dominance, the shifting landscape following the retirements of Federer and the impending exit of Rafael Nadal, and shared his predictions for the upcoming ATP Finals. His comments also included an analysis of rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, giving fans a glimpse into his perspective on who might be the future of the sport.
### **The Shifting Era: Djokovic’s Role in the Post-Big 3 World**
The end of the era dominated by the “Big 3″—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—is rapidly approaching. With Federer already retired and Nadal set to step away in a few weeks, Djokovic remains the last active member of this legendary trio. However, even Djokovic’s future seems uncertain. Ljubicic weighed in on what lies ahead for the Serbian star and whether he can continue to lead the sport in the absence of his longtime rivals.
“I don’t know, and I believe he doesn’t know either at the moment,” Ljubicic commented during his appearance on *Sky Sport*. “In my opinion, his goal is definitely the tournaments and not the ranking because to climb higher, he would have to play much more.”
This observation underscores a notable shift in Djokovic’s approach to the game. Unlike in previous years, where he chased the No. 1 ranking with relentless determination, his focus now appears to be on winning key tournaments, even if that means participating less frequently. Djokovic, who has already broken numerous records and amassed an incredible collection of Grand Slam titles, seems to be more selective in his tournament participation, choosing quality over quantity.
Ljubicic also pointed out that Djokovic is not currently at his peak, both physically and mentally, to engage in a full calendar season. This was evident in the recent Shanghai Masters, where Djokovic showed glimpses of his best but ultimately struggled to maintain a high level consistently. “He showed us in Shanghai that when he wants to compete, he can challenge the best,” Ljubicic noted, acknowledging that Djokovic’s ability to switch on his competitive spirit remains unparalleled.
However, doubts linger over Djokovic’s future plans, especially regarding the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. “I doubt he will play in Turin this year, but he will try again next year,” Ljubicic predicted. His skepticism was partially validated when Djokovic announced he would skip the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000, a crucial tournament for earning points to secure a spot in the ATP Finals. This decision raises questions about whether the Serbian star is pacing himself for a final few years of high-stakes tennis or contemplating an eventual winding down of his illustrious career.
### **Who’s the Favorite for the ATP Finals? Ljubicic Bets on Sinner**
With Djokovic’s participation in doubt and Nadal’s absence confirmed, the conversation naturally turns to who might emerge as the new dominant force on the tour. For Ljubicic, the answer is clear: Jannik Sinner. The young Italian has had an impressive season, and Ljubicic sees him as the “dark horse” for the ATP Finals in Turin.
“Yes, for me, he is the dark horse,” Ljubicic stated confidently. He also raised concerns about Carlos Alcaraz, who, despite his success on outdoor hard courts, has yet to prove himself on indoor surfaces. Last year’s ATP Finals were challenging for Alcaraz, who struggled with the mental and tactical aspects of playing indoors, and Ljubicic remains skeptical about whether the young Spaniard has overcome those hurdles.
“Alcaraz still has to convince me on indoor courts,” Ljubicic admitted. “He has a very high level on hard court, but even in Turin last year, he struggled a lot on indoor courts, especially from a mental perspective. Let’s see if that changes this year.”
His analysis points to a significant aspect of the tennis calendar: the transition from outdoor to indoor conditions. For many players, the switch can be difficult, as the speed and feel of the game change dramatically. Indoor courts favor players with powerful, flat groundstrokes and strong serves, attributes that Jannik Sinner possesses in abundance. If Alcaraz, known for his explosive athleticism and dynamic baseline play, can adjust, he could be a major threat; if not, Sinner and others might capitalize.
### **Rising Contenders: The Role of Zverev and Other Challengers**
While Ljubicic highlighted Sinner as the potential frontrunner, he didn’t count out other contenders. One name that came up was Alexander Zverev, another player who has shown flashes of brilliance this season. “If we want to look for someone closer to Jannik, I would say Zverev,” Ljubicic said, hinting that the German, with his strong serve and aggressive style, could be a force to be reckoned with during the ATP Finals.
Zverev’s track record on indoor courts and his past performances in high-pressure situations make him a legitimate threat in Turin. However, consistency has often been his Achilles’ heel, and whether he can bring his best game to the Finals remains to be seen. The German has shown resilience in overcoming injuries and setbacks, and his form leading up to the event will be a key factor in determining his chances.
### **The Alcaraz Factor: Is He Ready to Dominate Indoors?**
Carlos Alcaraz remains one of the most exciting young talents on the ATP Tour, and his rapid rise has drawn comparisons to legends like Nadal and Djokovic. However, Ljubicic’s reservations about the 21-year-old’s indoor game suggest that Alcaraz still has areas to develop if he aims to dominate across all surfaces. Indoor tennis demands a level of tactical nuance and precision that can take years to master, and Alcaraz’s ability to adapt will be a storyline to watch.
Alcaraz’s struggles last year in Turin were a learning experience, and it will be interesting to see if he can apply those lessons this season. His explosive style is effective on clay and outdoor hard courts, but the controlled, faster pace of indoor play may require adjustments to his aggressive approach. His mental game, which Ljubicic noted as an area of concern, will also be tested in an environment where quick decision-making and point construction are crucial.
### **Looking Ahead: A Changing of the Guard**
As the ATP Finals approach, Ivan Ljubicic’s comments highlight the shifting dynamics in men’s tennis. The era of the Big 3 is closing, and a new generation of players is stepping up to claim the spotlight. Djokovic, who has long been the standard-bearer, faces challenges both from within and from a talented pool of rising stars. Meanwhile, young talents like Sinner and Alcaraz are vying to fill the void left by Federer and Nadal, and veterans like Zverev are eager to make their mark.
The ATP Finals 2024 promises to be a fascinating showdown, with seasoned competitors and young challengers all looking to end the year on a high note. Whether Djokovic returns to reclaim his throne or a new champion emerges, the tournament will be a key indicator of where the sport is headed in the post-Big 3 era. For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion and who falters under the bright lights of Turin.