Novak Djokovic exclusive: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz rivalry is 'good for our sport' ahead of French Open

A budding rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is «good for our sport», according to Novak Djokovic, who enjoyed watching the two youngsters battle it out as he watched the sunshine swing from afar. Djokovic was unable to compete at Indian Wells or the Miami Open after being denied entry to the USA due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Ad In his absence, Alcaraz and Sinner – 19 and 21 years old respectively – played out two thrillers, the Spaniard triumphing in the Indian Wells semi-finals before losing to his Italian rival at the same stage in Miami. ATP Monte CarloMonte Carlo talking points: Djokovic shakes off rust, Zverev digs in14 HOURS AGO Djokovic told Eurosport that although he wasn’t spending all his time watching tennis, he has enjoyed seeing a new generation breaking through.

“I got to spend some time with the family and did other things off the court. But I was thinking about tennis, mostly about myself and how I can prepare myself the best possible in order to kick off the clay season in a good manner,” Djokovic said.

“I did follow some of the matches from Indian Wells and Miami, highlights more than the entire match – not much patience for that – but I saw some spectacular points, especially from Alcaraz, Sinner, Medvedev. “I think it’s a great rivalry that’s coming up between Alcaraz and Sinner – it’s good for our sport.” Exclusive: Djokovic aims to 'peak in Paris' ahead of return to action in Monte Carlo Exclusive: Murray hopes to compete at French Open if body and form allow ‘I definitely have to change my game’ – Medvedev on transition to clay-court Djokovic, who won the Australian Open in January, returns to competitive action this week at the Monte Carlo Masters.