Rafael Nadal's uncle questions Novak Djokovic status as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner dominate modern men tennis era

Novak Djokovic is still winning matches, still reaching big finals, and still fighting like the champion he has always been. But according to Toni Nadal, that may no longer be enough to call him the best player in the world today.

In a recent interview, Toni Nadal said men’s tennis has clearly moved into a new phase. He believes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are now ahead of everyone else. More importantly, he also feels Djokovic is not even the third-best player right now.Instead, Toni Nadal pointed to Alexander Zverev as the next strongest name behind Alcaraz and Sinner. His comments have sparked debate because many fans still see Djokovic as tennis’ biggest threat, even at 38.

But Nadal’s uncle sees the game through today’s results, not past trophies.

Toni Nadal explains why Alexander Zverev ranks above Novak Djokovic today

Speaking on Radio Estadio, Toni Nadal shared a clear and honest view. He said Alexander Zverev is currently a more dangerous opponent than Novak Djokovic, even though Zverev still has not won a Grand Slam title.Toni Nadal explained that Zverev has the level, the shots, and the physical strength to beat anyone on tour right now. What he believes Zverev lacks is one big moment, a Grand Slam win, that could fully unlock his confidence.

He said,“So he is a dangerous rival and, for me, he’s clearly better than Djokovic is today. But he lacks something. If Zverev had won that match today, he probably would have won the final too. That win changes everything. It gives you confidence and removes the pressure of needing a Grand Slam.”At the Australian Open, both Zverev and Djokovic had strong runs. Zverev lost a tough semifinal to Carlos Alcaraz after a long battle.

Djokovic, on the other hand, shocked many by beating Jannik Sinner in the semifinals before falling to Alcaraz in the final.Djokovic later said he was proud of his effort in Melbourne. He told reporters,“It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five sets and really battle Carlos in four close sets. When I look back at these two weeks, it’s an incredible achievement for me to play the final and be so close to winning. Of course, the loss hurts, but I have to be content with this result.”Djokovic will return to action at the Qatar Open from February 16 to 21, followed by the BNP Paribas Open in March.