{"id":299826,"date":"2023-11-19T19:39:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-19T19:39:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=299826"},"modified":"2023-11-19T19:39:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-19T19:39:24","slug":"novak-djokovic-bites-back-at-reporter-ahead-of-atp-finals-clash-with-alcaraz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/tennis\/novak-djokovic-bites-back-at-reporter-ahead-of-atp-finals-clash-with-alcaraz\/","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic bites back at reporter ahead of ATP Finals clash with Alcaraz"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Novak Djokovic hit back at a reporter for labelling ATP Finals opponents Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune “kids” and hailed the pair, along with Carlos Alcaraz, as the leading figures in the future of men’s tennis. The Serbian scraped through to the semi-finals of the tournament after Sinner overcame Rune on Thursday in a close-fought battle, with the Italian preserving his 100 per cent record in the group stages with a three-set win.<\/p>\n

It underlined the idea that Sinner will soon be fighting for Grand Slams along with Alcaraz, who already has two Majors to his name after beating Djokovic at Wimbledon earlier this year. Billed as two of tennis’ next biggest stars, Sinner, Alcaraz and Rune have moved out of teenager territory as they are all now in their 20s.<\/p>\n

And Djokovic, 36, was keen to point out how they have matured after taking exception to a reporter’s remark in his press conference. Following his victory over Hubert Hurkacz, a reporter followed up a question about the Serb’s young children with one about Rune and Sinner.<\/p>\n

The reporter asked: \u201cTalking about kids, I think the feeling that they are chasing you, these kids. Now is different compare this moment to the past. In the past, at Masters or ATP Finals, we have some strange situation.<\/p>\n

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READ MORE <\/strong> Novak Djokovic survives ATP Finals scare as Jannik Sinner spares his blushes[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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“You know about the history of tennis. Someone decide to win or to lose or something to do. It\u2019s not the case for sure because Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are very, very good and correct players. Which sort of battle do you expect tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slightly bemused by the framing of the question, Djokovic gave a considered response and heaped praise on the pair – explaining why he believes the gap may be closing between himself and his younger rivals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think it\u2019s not nice to call them kids because they are not kids,\u201d he replied. \u201cThey are above 18, so you\u2019re officially not a kid anymore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe field is strong. I mean, the generation of Alcaraz, Rune, Sinner is very strong. It\u2019s probably the three players that will carry this sport in the future but also in the present because they are right at the top of the game, all of them.<\/p>\n