Novak Djokovic, the Serbian professional, has been number one in the ATP rankings for 319 weeks now. However, the Serb claims Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev will be a tough challenge, which will ‘push’ him to stay at the top.
The 33-year-old Serb became the World No. 1 in 2011 and since then he has dominated the sport alongside former No.1 players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Further, the former three players are also recognized as the ‘Big Three’ of tennis.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal are the ‘Big Three’ of tennis.
However, in recent years a young Russian player made his way to the top three apart from the veteran trio. Medvedev made his way to the second rank, but Nadal overtook him after the Barcelona Open. However, the 25-year-old Russian is still a great treat to Nole for the No.1 place.
Even Djokovic has agreed that Medvedev can challenge his ranking aside from his Spanish rival Rafa. In a recent interview, the Serb said, “In order to stay at the top-ranking spot, you have to keep playing and not just keep playing, but keep making successful runs at most of your events in order to have a chance,”
Novak Djokovic claims Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal can challenge him for the top spot.
“Being at No. 1 is also a huge responsibility, but you feel that rear window pressure from Daniil at this point or Rafa or whoever it is. There’s always somebody. The challengers want to get there. They want to challenge you, they want to push you.” He added.
Nole further expressed, “I think the more they push me, the more I have the motivation to work even harder to stay there.”
Djokovic won the Australian Open title for the ninth time this year though failed to make his mark at the Monte-Carlo and Serbian Masters. However, the Serbian is still at the top with 11963 points. Meanwhile, Nadal and Medvedev are just next to Noel with 9810 and 9700 points, respectively.
Daniil Medvedev lost the Australian Open 2021 to Novak Djokovic.
Rafa and Daniil both are playing in the Madrid Open and winning the tournament will get them closer to take down Nole. Therefore, Djokovic needs to pull up his socks to face the tough competition.
Currently, Novak Djokovic is gearing up for the upcoming Roland Garros, where he might face Medvedev and the ‘King of Clay’ Nadal. Further, there is a possibility the Serbian might face the former No.1 Roger Federer, who might make a comeback at the French Grand Slam.
