By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, April 25, 2025
Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open Facebook
As he exited the practice court in Madrid, Novak Djokovic delighted a young admirer by tossing a souvenir ball.
The 37-year-old Serbian legend has consistently fostered connections with fans of all ages throughout his illustrious career.
This week, Djokovic is on a mission to capture his 100th career title in Madrid, taking a moment to contemplate the evolving landscape of the sport.
The Grand Slam titan expressed that engaging with the new wave of talent and representing his iconic Big 4 generation fuels his motivation as he continues to compete nearly two decades after his debut in Madrid, where he faced Richard Gasquet.
Recognizing the shift in generational dynamics within tennis, Djokovic revealed that demonstrating the experience of the “older generation” against today’s emerging stars invigorates his passion.
“For the past two decades, the spotlight has predominantly been on the four of us. With the retirement of my three biggest rivals, there’s certainly a noticeable change,” he stated during his media interactions in Madrid. “It takes time for fans to adjust to the absence of icons like Roger, Rafa, and Andy, and one day, I too will step aside; however, I’m determined to uphold the legacy of my generation.
“I hope this brings a positive impact to both the tournaments and the tour itself.”
While some speculated that the departures of Federer, Nadal, and Murray would diminish the Tour’s appeal, Djokovic highlighted that attendance has actually surged at Grand Slam events and various Masters 1000 tournaments, indicating that fans remain engaged and excited about the game.
His remarkable victory over 21-year-old sensation Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics last summer—marking his 99th title—further underscores this reality.
“One of my reasons for continuing to play is that I believe it supports tennis’s ongoing popularity and draws fans to the sport,” Djokovic expressed. “Looking at the attendance figures from Grand Slams and events like Indian Wells, we’ve seen record-breaking crowds in recent years.”
“This is reassuring; the sport shouldn’t hinge solely on the star players or legends who’ve retired. Tennis must transcend individual careers—it’s a sport that will remain vital beyond any one person. We’re all here to serve the greater purpose of the sport.”
In line with this sentiment, the man who has held the world No. 1 ranking longer than any other ATP champion emphasizes that promoting the game is a core mission.
“It’s essential to remember that as a top player, every action—on and off the court—contributes to enhancing the sport’s popularity,” Djokovic remarked. “Our aim is to attract more young players and enthusiasts to tennis, igniting excitement and interest.
“While I see progress being made, there’s still much work ahead for us in this pursuit,” he concluded.
