Tennis fans recently reacted to Frances Tiafoe’s comments regarding Novak Djokovic’s standing in the sport in the presence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The former World No. 10 specifically questioned whether Djokovic could still contend against younger stars like Sinner and Alcaraz.
Currently, Tiafoe is participating in the 2025 Japan Open. In the singles event, he lost in the first round to qualifier Márton Fucsovics with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 5-7. He is also competing in the doubles event alongside fellow American Brandon Nakashima, and they are scheduled to face the team of Alex Michelsen and Gabriel Diallo in the first round.
How Did the Fans React to Frances Tiafoe’s Comment About Novak Djokovic?
Before commencing his campaign at the 2025 Japan Open, during a press conference, Tiafoe praised Alcaraz and Sinner for their dominance in tennis. He stated that with these two as the top players in the world, there needs to be a third and potentially a fourth challenger from their generation. Tiafoe expressed uncertainty about who might claim those spots.
The former World No. 10 mentioned that Djokovic cannot be considered the next best player after Sinner and Alcaraz due to his nearing 40 years of age, implying that players from the World No. 1 and 2’s era must step up and compete against them.
“There’s a couple more guys who’ve got to join them. I’m not saying beat them, but there’s got to be (other) guys – and that motivates me. I’m like, yo, who’s that third guy? Who’s that fourth guy? Novak (Djokovic) doesn’t count. He’s 38. I love him, but doesn’t count. He’s 38. He’s a GOAT, he’s the best player of all time. He’s not with those guys,” Tiafoe said.
Tiafoe’s comments about Djokovic drew mixed reactions from tennis fans, who took to social media to express their thoughts on the same.
One fan argued that Tiafoe’s remarks shouldn’t be taken as an “insult,” asserting that his point was that Djokovic is not in his prime and thus should not be seen as a viable challenger to the World No. 1 and No. 2. The fan believed that the American was suggesting that players from Sinner and Alcaraz’s generation need to elevate their game to challenge them.
“I’ve seen people interpret this as an insult but I think he’s trying to say, don’t rely on Novak. He’s older now, not in his prime and therefore shouldn’t be seen as a 3rd guy. It’s up to Sincaraz’s peers to step up, not a guy who is in a completely different stage of his career,” a fan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
I’ve seen people interpret this as an insult but I think he’s trying to say, don’t rely on Novak. He’s older now, not in his prime and therefore shouldn’t be seen as a 3rd guy. It’s up to Sincaraz’s peers to step up, not a guy who is in a completely different stage of his career
— Emma (@emmylobz) September 25, 2025
However, another fan criticised Tiafoe’s comments, suggesting that if he believes Djokovic cannot compete with Sinner or Alcaraz, he should put himself forward to take on the “challenge.”
“Talks so much, why can’t he challenge them,” a fan wrote.
Talks so much, why can’t he challenge them
— Mizter Pan (@mizter_platipus) September 25, 2025
“This isn’t an insult Frances point is his peers got to step up. I don’t see a young guy good at net except Jack Draper. The other young men don’t serve & volley or chip & charge. You need a complete game beat Sinner & Alcaraz,” a fan posted.
This isn’t an insult Frances point is his peers got to step up. I don’t see a young guy good at net except Jack Draper. The other young men don’t serve & volley or chip & charge. You need a complete game beat Sinner & Alcaraz.
— OrvilleLloydDouglas🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@OrvilleLloyd) September 25, 2025
“Novak, at 38, is clearly the 3rd best player in the world. The rest of the field is way behind him. Guys like Tiafoe should feel embarrassed that they still haven’t caught Novak as he nears 40,” a fan wrote.
Novak, at 38, is clearly the 3rd best player in the world. The rest of the field is way behind him. Guys like Tiafoe should feel embarrassed that they still haven’t caught Novak as he nears 40.
— Steve SC (@steve_usc1) September 25, 2025
“What he means he’s that you can’t keep bringing Novak into these conversations of the New 2 because in three to five years, Novak would retire and then what, who’s the third guy after Carlos and Jannik,” a fan posted.
What he means he’s that you can’t keep bringing Novak into these conversations of the New 2 because in three to five years, Novak would retire and then what, who’s the third guy after Carlos and Jannik
— Green Ticks (@Green__Ticks) September 25, 2025
Alcaraz and Sinner are currently competing in the Asian swing of the Tour. The Spaniard is participating in the Japan Open, where he defeated Sebastián Báez in the first round and will face Zizou Bergs in the second round.
On the other hand, Sinner is competing at the China Open, having advanced to the second round after defeating Marin Čilić in his opening match, and will now face Térence Atmane.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is yet to start his campaign in Asia and is expected to compete next at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, which will take place from September 29 to October 12, 2025, at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China.