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Men’s Tennis Turns a Page as Alcaraz–Sinner Rivalry Rises and Djokovic Sets Longevity Records

Nadal says he retired after exhausting every option because his body could no longer reach Grand Slam‑winning level.

Overview

  • ATP year-end rankings confirm Novak Djokovic, 38, as the oldest Top‑4 finisher and the record holder with 16 Top‑4 seasons.
  • Djokovic reached all four Grand Slam semifinals in 2025, won titles in Geneva and Athens, and skipped the ATP Finals due to a shoulder issue.
  • Rafael Nadal reflected that his “tank was empty,” explaining he stepped away despite intact motivation and remains engaged through his academy after a light hit with Alex Eala.
  • Nadal said the Big Three gave each other no margin to skip events, describing constant mutual pressure that sustained their era’s standards.
  • Analysts increasingly frame Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the sport’s lead duo, with contenders like Zverev, Shelton, Draper, Rune, Mensik and Fonseca cited as candidates to become a consistent third force.