Djokovic dismisses threat of rising stars: ‘They still have a lot of work to do’

Although a cluster of rising stars are threatening to take over from the big three, Novak Djokovic isn’t rolling out the red carpet just yet.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates beating Russia's Aslan Karatsev.

For the past 15 years, three athletes have commanded men’s tennis.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have collectively won 56 of the 67 grand slam tournaments since 2004. Only Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, with three major titles each, have made a serious dent on their dominance.

But the trio are approaching the twilight of their dominant reign. Federer has not competed at the past three grand slams because of injury, while Nadal has become considerably less intimidating when not playing on clay.

However, Djokovic isn’t rolling out the red carpet for the sport’s next generation just yet.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his semi-final victory.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the new generation coming and taking over the three of us, but realistically that isn’t happening still,” Djokovic told Eurosport on Thursday.

“We can talk about it all day, but with all my respect to the other guys, they still have a lot of work to do

“These guys are very strong, they play high-quality tennis without a doubt. And certainly, they will be the world leaders of the future of tennis.

“But I’m not going to stand here and hand it over to them. I’m gonna make them work their a** off.”

Djokovic qualified for his ninth Australian Open final after defeating Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday evening.

In search of an 18th grand slam singles title, the 33-year-old Serbian will face either Russia’s Daniil Medvedev or Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday.

“Daniil Medvedev is the player to beat. He’s on a big winning streak,” Djokovic said after his semi-final win.

“He ended out the season-best possible fashion. I mean, winning quite comfortably, actually, against top players, against myself in straight sets in London, and he just has improved a lot.

“He has a big serve. For a tall guy, he moves extremely well. Forehand maybe was his weaker shot, but he has improved that, as well. Backhand is as good as it gets.

“He’s so solid. He doesn’t give you much. But he’s not afraid nowadays to attack and get to the net and take it to his opponents.

“Also, I heard Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it’s true. You know, he’s definitely a very smart tennis player.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev will face off in Friday evening's semi-final.

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“On the other hand, Tsitsipas is also on a roll. He’s playing really well. He won a couple of matches in the ATP Cup against good opponents.

“He had a tough one against (Thanasi) Kokkinakis and Nadal and he managed to win those in five sets, which is very impressive.

“Even though a five-setter takes a lot out of your energy, it gives you a lot of confidence and makes you kind of feel better about yourself in the next match.

“He’s definitely going in the right direction. He’s very solid, all-round player. He has no holes in his game, as well.

“It’s finals. So, you know, you have to expect that you’re going to play the finals against one of the best players in the world. To win one of the greatest titles in the world, you’ve got to be the best. I will make sure I’m ready for that.”