Djokovic continues to adapt but next generation is learning fast - especially Alcaraz

On court, Novak Djokovic is a technical, machine-like guy but for me, he is like family; my brother from another mother.

I got to know Novak on and off the court during my three-year spell as his coach between 2013 and 2016. Since then our relationship has only become stronger.

I have seen the way he is with his family and friends. I have seen the important work he does – together with his wife, Jelena – on his foundation. I got to see his heart – and it’s a good one.

He is 36 now. That longevity is his greatest strength and it’s a quality he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Anybody can have a good week, even a good year, but to do it over 17, 18 years is exceptional. That’s what sets those three players apart.

Novak is still winning – he’s the reigning Australian and French Open champion and who would bet against him at Wimbledon? But his game has changed since I coached him. It had to. The locker room doesn’t sleep. They watch you, study you, search out your weaknesses. If you don’t improve constantly, then you’re going to be left behind.

How has Novak done that? When you are 36 and the guy on the other side of the net is 22, you don't want to get into too many 20-stroke baseline rallies. His serve has improved, so has his net play. It all leads to him winning points a bit quicker.

Carlos Alcaraz looks set to dominate tennis in the near future. Getty

Another thing that sets Novak, Roger and Rafa apart is mentality. So much of tennis is in the mind, and they use the smallest sign of weakness to their advantage. It’s about match management, how you react in a situation. The up-and-coming generation must learn more about that than just forehand, backhand and serve.

But they are learning. I like Jannik Sinner