Novak Djokovic: “Sport will survive all” | ATP tour

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic: “Sport will survive”

Dreifest champion has been making the first Madrid appearance since 2022

April 24, 2025

There is inevitably a certain sport: a torch, a chapter closed, a new era was born. However, Novak Djokovic is not ready to turn the site.

While tennis will enter into a future with new stars and fresh rivalries, former No. 1 in the PIF ATP ranking remains as stipulated. This week, Djokovic returned to the Mutua Madrid Open, where he is a three-time champion, and was asked about the changing landscape of the ATP tour and where it fits into them.

“You can feel that there is a shift,” said Djokovic in his press conference at the ATP Masters 1000 event. “Not only in relation to the generations of players (who now have) the main focus and attention, but I think it takes a little time for people to accept the fact that Roger and Rafa do not play, and Murray, and I think I still try to stay there and represent the older boys, the older generation.”

Djokovic arrives in the Spanish capital, which would like to recover from a shock opening outcome in Monte-Carlo at the beginning of this month when he fell to Alejandro Tabilo. The defeat followed a loss in the Miami final against #NextGenatp-Czech Jakub Mensik and refused to secure Djokovic to secure his 100th level title.

The 40-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, Djokovic, is in the history books that are about to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103). But for the 37-year-old, it is not just the records and trophies that make him motivate.

“This is also one of the reasons why I play again and again because I feel that it also helps tennis to still get the attention and the crowd, to see and be interested in tournaments,” added Djokovic. “If you see the numbers of participation in the Grand Slams and some (other tournaments) in recent years record masses (there were) record masses.”

The Masters 1000 in Indian fountains in particular put a visitor record with 504, 268 fans through the goals in the fourteen days last month.

“(It is) good news that it should not be dependent on the big stars or legends of the game that was retired,” continued Djokovic. “The sport should survive, the sport will survive and the sport is more important than any other. So we are all here in the service of a sport.”

This week has been Djokovic’s first appearance in Madrid since 2022 when he lost in the semi-finals against Carlos Alcaraz, her first Lexus ATP Head2head clash. Alcaraz, a two-time Madrid champion itself, had to withdraw on Thursday due to an adductor injury from this year’s tournament on Thursday.

When Djokovic was asked about the changing era in the men’s tennis, he quickly highlighted Alcaraz ‘rapid rise and remarkable achievements.

“We have to remember that his age and what he did for his age are not normal,” said Djokovic about Alcaraz. “I am sure that in 10 years, 15 years in the future we will see many of him on the big stage with trophies as long as it plays. The competition is always there. I think every generation has its different competition.”

In his opening game in Madrid, Djokovic Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi is directed.