Novak Djokovic faces ‘Young Gen’ challenge at ATP Finals

Turin, November 11

Novak Djokovic has already done well enough at holding off the rise of the so-called “Next Gen” by keeping players like Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev from winning more titles.

Now, for the first time at the ATP Finals, Djokovic is joined by the three players who are being labeled the “Young Gen.” Carlos Alcaraz, 20 years old and already a US Open and Wimbledon champion, is making his debut at the season-ending tournament for the year’s top eight players after missing the event last year with an injury.

Jannik Sinner, 22 and coming in red hot after recent titles in China and Vienna, will be playing before a home crowd with the Italian ranked a career-high No. 4.

Holger Rune, 20 and already with two wins over Djokovic, will renew his budding rivalry with the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the featured match when the tournament opens Sunday on the fast indoor court at the Pala Alpitour.

“Thanks for reminding me of the age — Next Gen, Young Gen — I don’t know where I fit it, in which kind of gen group,” the 36-year-old Djokovic said.

“Being able to be compete with the young guys is always extra motivation for me, because I know that they are hungry and have big goals and objectives to win these kinds of tournaments. … So that inspires me even more to play my best tennis.”

Djokovic sure has been at his best lately, riding an 18-match winning streak stretching back to his five-set loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July.

Now Djokovic needs just one more match win to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record-extending eighth time. — AP