Novak Djokovic ‘still a contender for all four Grand Slams’ says former opponent

Niland faced Djokovic on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the 2011 US Open as he has experienced the challenge of taking on the player who would go on to win a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles.

After going through this year without adding to his Grand Slam haul and with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz emerging as the new kings of the men’s game, Djokovic’s era of winning appears to be coming to an end.

Yet Niland has told Tennis365 that it is too early to write off a champion who confirmed he is still a force in the game after he won an Olympic gold medal for Spain in the Paris Olympics in August.

“I think he has another Slam in him,” as he waits to discover if his brilliant book, The Racket, will claim 2024 William Hill Sports Book Of The Year Award when the winner of the prestigious prize is revealed next week.

“I think he’s got another year where he will be competitive in all four majors. Realistically, it is just one more year, but he showed at the Olympics that he is still capable of beating anyone when he is at his best.

“We are starting to see signs that he is slowing down, at last! He has been going on court with the knee strap for a few months now and he is starting to puff a little. That’s understandable at his age.

“It’s starting to get more difficult for him and I think it could still happen for him next year, but Sinner and Alcaraz playing at their best is tough to stop.

“Djokovic can match them, but it is getting to the point where it is more difficult for him.

Novak showed what he can do to Alcaraz at the Olympics, but things have flipped a little in the men’s game.

“At the start of this year, it seemed like Djokovic was still the main man, but Sinner and Alcaraz have taken over now and it’s up to Novak to show he can still mix it with them in the Slams.

The debate over whether Djokovic can remain competitive playing a limited tournament schedule has been a big talking point in a year when he has struggled to find motivation to play in smaller tournaments.

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Yet Niland does not believe a slide down the rankings will be a major concern for Djokovic, even if it means he is forced to face Sinner and Alcaraz earlier in major tournaments.

“He’s been drifting into this space for a while now. You look at his decision not to play in the ATP Finals and it feels like he is edging towards the end,” added the Irishman.

Does it matter if his ranking drops and he has to play Sinner or Alcaraz earlier in the Grand Slams. Not really because he will always believe he has a chance if he can get on court fully fit and playing at his best.

“Novak vs Alcaraz in the quarter-finals doesn’t necessarily change my view on whether he can win the tournament. He would have to play them in the semi-finals or final so it doesn’t make too much difference.

“Wimbledon may be the most likely tournament he wins, but he has won ten Aussie Opens so that has to be a big chance for him as well.”