Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee has declared that Novak Djokovic is part of a new ‘Big Three’ with his young rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The former doubles world No 1 also believes Djokovic is the favourite to triumph at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon next year.
Djokovic was beaten in the third round at the 2024 US Open by world No 28 Alexei Popyrin, with the defeat ensuring he would end a season without winning a major for the first time since 2017.
Since he won his maiden Slam at the 2008 Australian Open, Djokovic has only had four ‘majorless’ years: 2009, 2010, 2017 and 2024.
The 37-year-old won most recent Grand Slam title at last year’s US Open, where he secured a record-extending 24th major and third of a staggering 2023 campaign.
This year, Djokovic was a semi-finalist at the Australian Open, a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros (where he had to withdraw due to injury) and a runner-up at Wimbledon prior to his early US Open exit.
In an interview with Sport Klub, McNamee was asked if the legendary Serb will be a candidate to win another Grand Slam title in 2025.
“Oh, of course! There is a new Big Three – Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz,” he assessed. “I would say that Novak is still the favourite in Australia to win his 11th title. I think Novak is No 1 in Melbourne.
“Here, Alexei Popyrin played brilliantly, but it is clear how much winning the gold drained Novak. Apart from Australia, I think he is also the favourite at Wimbledon. If he doesn’t win a Slam next year, that question [of retirement] will be asked.
“On the other hand, it is also a deeply personal question. Andy [Murray] probably played too long, but he wanted to play. It is a personal decision when someone retires. Personally, I think he will play the whole next year and see how it goes.”
McNamee, who played professionally between 1973 and 1988, won 24 ATP titles in doubles, including four Grand Slams. He also claimed two ATP singles titles and reached a career-high singles ranking of world No 24.
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