2025 was the first season since 2017 in which Djokovic did not reach a single Grand Slam final. Furthermore, the 38-year-old hasn’t won a Major in two full years.
At his peak, Djokovic had an intimidating factor and several players admitted that in the past they had thought about the Serb’s records before meeting him in a match. But now Alcaraz and Sinner are the two dominant forces in the Tour and have clearly separated themselves from the rest. That said, some wonder if the record 24-time Grand Slam champion has lost his charisma.
Kovacevic, who won two Challenger titles this year and finished the season with a career-high No. 57, says Djokovic’s presence is certainly felt when he enters the room.
Kovacevic: Djokovic still has it because of his GOAT status
“As far as the locker room aura goes, Novak still has it because of the best of all time. Sinner and Alcaraz have a little bit of that ‘Oh s—-‘ when they walk around the room, otherwise no one really cares. We’re just working like a job and it’s the same guys as every week,” Kovacevic said on The Changeover Podcast.
“Obviously there might be a new guy on the scene who’s just popped up and a lot of times that’s the guys trying to look like, ‘Oh, I’m the guy’ and it’s like you settle down, you know what I mean, you don’t even know what you’re in for, you’re going to be with us for the next two, three years. There’s a lot of good, talented players, but trying to act tough and all that, it’s basically a lot of energy for nothing.”
Kovacevic, 27, has played Djokovic once; the former world number 1 defeated him in straight sets in the first round of the 2023 French Open.
Kovacevic has yet to face Alcaraz or Sinner in a Tour match.
#Rising #ATP #player #responds #Novak #Djokovic #lost #dressing #room #aura