The US Open’s breakout star didn’t get the result he wanted in Friday’s semi-final against Novak Djokovic, but promises to remain an exasperating foe on tour for years to comeAfter dispatching with upstart Ben Shelton to advance to his 10th US Open final, Novak Djokovic glowered at the Arthur Ashe crowd as he pantomimed himself answering an imaginary phone and slamming down the receiver. There was no question the cold call was meant for the American, who turned off many observers by celebrating his semi-final victory over compatriot Frances Tiafoe in similar fashion. The Serb was also chilly to Shelton when they met at net for the customary post-match handshake.But in his post-match news conference Shelton – to his immense...
The young Spaniard’s astonishing victory over Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final felt like an act of empire buildingOver to you then, Carlos. Across almost five hours of mind-bendingly fine grass court play, seasoned with cussedness, crowd-snark and some wonderfully fine champion will, the future of men’s tennis became the present too. It felt fitting that end note of a beautifully high grade men’s Wimbledon final was also unexpectedly tender.As Carlos Alcaraz crumpled on to his back on the Centre Court turf, Novak Djokovic walked across and hugged him, looking, for the first time since the first set four hours ago, back when the world was still young, like the only real grown up court. Ten years in the making,...
Seven-time champion’s iron grip on Centre Court shows no sign of loosening as he heads into yet another grand slam finalAs Jannik Sinner walked to the net to shake hands with Novak Djokovic here on Friday, the young Italian allowed himself a little shake of the head. If you’re going to have a sniff of beating one of the all-time greats, you have to take your chances, however fleeting they may be. But like so many who have gone before him, Sinner was reminded that for all the talk of a new generation ready to take over the men’s game, the king is still holding on to his crown.It is 10 years since Djokovic last lost on Centre Court, to...
The 36-year-old has won the first two majors of the year and the next generation do not look ready to challenge him in finalsAt the 2006 edition of the French Open, Novak Djokovic took one of the first great steps of his young career by reaching his first grand slam quarter final at 19. He had already beaten three seeded players, including the explosive world No 9, Fernando González, but greatness awaited. Djokovic stepped on Court Philippe Chatrier for his first quarter-final against Rafael Nadal, the 20-year-old defending champion.It was not quite the longest encounter of what would go on to be a 59-match rivalry. Two sets in, Djokovic retired while trailing 6-4, 6-4 with a lower back injury. Afterwards,...
Wily record holder is now the uncontested keyholder to the French Open – as well as the wider world of men’s tennisNo longer the polite and begrudging ripple of applause. No longer the soft shuffle of designer shoes towards the exits. This time the sound of triumph would be resounding and unqualified: from the plush seats where Zlatan Ibrahimović and Tom Brady were on their feet, to the windswept upper tiers where the cascade of Serbian flags caught the evening Parisian light. Roland Garros, and by extension the lineage of men’s tennis, is now the house of Novak Djokovic.He wore a royal red training top emblazoned with the number 23. He gave his victory speech in flawless French. And in...