{"id":291590,"date":"2023-09-07T10:23:43","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T10:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=291590"},"modified":"2023-09-07T10:23:43","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T10:23:43","slug":"novak-djokovic-clashes-with-rafael-nadals-uncle-at-us-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/tennis\/novak-djokovic-clashes-with-rafael-nadals-uncle-at-us-open\/","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic clashes with Rafael Nadal’s uncle at US Open"},"content":{"rendered":"
Novak Djokovic has shut down Toni Nadal\u2019s idea that players of previous eras were better than the current crop of stars, many of whom he has been competing against at the US Open. The Serb has been joined by Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Ben Shelton in the semi-finals, after Rafa Nadal\u2019s uncle made a dig at the current generation of tennis players.<\/p>\n
Toni Nadal insisted that in previous years the state of tennis was \u201cmore competitive\u201d after the first three Grand Slams of the year went to either Djokovic or Alcaraz – while the pair could meet in Sunday\u2019s final in New York.<\/p>\n
Writing for Spanish daily newspaper El Pais, he said: “Years ago, top players were better than now. They were more competitive. Nadal would definitely beat Medvedev, [Andy] Murray beat [Alexander] Zverev, [Stan] Wawrinka beat [Casper] Ruud, [Juan Martin] Del Potro beat [Andrey] Rublev and [David] Ferrer beat [Holger] Rune.”<\/p>\n
Not satisfied with calling out the current regime, Toni Nadal also insisted that Djokovic is no longer the player he once was during battles with Roger Federer and his nephew, adding: “And Djokovic is a worse player than five to ten years ago.”<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news<\/strong><\/p>\n JUST IN <\/strong> Alexander Zverev shares true thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic[INTERVIEW] <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Serb disagreed with Nadal, however, as someone who competed at the top in both eras of tennis. He believes that Alcaraz would win titles at any time during the sport, shutting down Uncle Toni\u2019s claim. “I don’t agree with that because each generation has a group of great players that lead,\u201d Djokovic told Marca. \u201cNow there are [Jannik] Sinner, Rune and Alcaraz. They are dominating the majority of tournaments in the last two years.<\/p>\n \u201cThe way Carlos plays, how he defends, how he attacks … It’s very complete. Alcaraz would have won the same 10 or 15 years ago. Each generation has its own champions. Tennis has changed and evolved.\u201d<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n US Open tennis makes its long-awaited return to Sky Sports and it’s certainly not something to be missed.<\/p>\n Sky Sports subscribers on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and the Sky Sports app will be able to watch all courts for the first time on Sky Sports.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Want to watch the US Open Tennis but don’t own Sky?<\/p>\n Never fear as you can get Sky Glass, Sky TV, Netflix for \u00a314 a month for six months – thanks to a limited time deal.<\/p>\n You can also get six months Sky Sports completely free.<\/p>\n The 36-year-old also was asked how he would play against the Djokovic of 10 years ago, after discussing the comparisons between eras and the 23-time Major winner seemingly only getting better with age.<\/p>\n He has two Grand Slam victories in 2023 before reaching the final at Wimbledon, and his US Open destiny is yet to be fulfilled ahead of a semi-final with home favourite Shelton.<\/p>\n “What is certain is that it would be a great battle,\u201d Djokovic added. \u201cOf course, I had more energy and mobility in the past, but now I have more experience and I am much stronger mentally. With my team, I try to be better every year because it is the only way to face the young people of today to win Grand Slams.\u201d<\/p>\n
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