Novak Djokovic claims Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have copied his style of tennis, ‘the greatest compliment’

Novak Djokovic has been relatively quiet ever since his crushing and tearful first-round exit from the US Open.

It was a shocking outcome where many had hoped he might take advantage of Jannik Sinner's absence, with Mariano Navone outlasting the 39-year-old in a five-set thriller where the legendary star faded physically.

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Watching him throw up on court and wipe away tears as the match slipped away from him was heartbreaking for many, as he seemed to be battling something beyond just fatigue that day.

However, we are due to see more of him again soon, with Djokovic having announced he'll be playing the China Open this year for the first time since 2015.

And now, speaking in a brief snippet released from Kevin Hart's Cold as Balls podcast, he has re-appeared once again to discuss his influence on the sport.

Novak Djokovic claims Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's play styles resemble his

Although only a small interaction, interviewed whilst sat in an ice bath, it provided plenty of insight into Djokovic's contentment with his impact on tennis.

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That is, even if he might not be nearly as competitive as he once was, despite still operating at a superhuman level for someone nearly twice the age of his greatest competitors.

Asked if he had embraced any of the younger players, he replied: "Look, I think, for anybody that follows tennis, Sinner and Alcaraz. You know, you guys know how they play, right? You know their styles? Who do they resemble?"

Hart replied: "You. I'm dead serious. You."

This prompted Novak Djokovic to add: "So, for me, that's the greatest compliment. If I was able to create an impact, I'm happy because that's the whole point."

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Does Carlos Alcaraz's play style really resemble Novak Djokovic?

Whilst the Sinner comparison is obvious, due to his relentless and at times monotonous consistency and ability to wear his opponents down, the Carlos Alcaraz claim seems a little more tenuous.

After all, the Spaniard's style differs massively from the current world number one's, and therefore from Djokovic's as well.

Whilst he too is capable of competing in gruelling baseline rallies, he has the ability to inject frightening speed on the forehand at any given opportunity, forcing his opponent back only to then kill them with the deft drop shot.

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His wide range of shot-making and, at times, gritty style has drawn closer comparisons between both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rather than Djokovic, not to mention his close connection and affiliation with the crowd. Whilst he is revered now, throughout his career Djokovic has often been seen as the pantomime villain.

Whilst the Serbian's influence on the sport cannot be understated, and he almost definitely has influenced Alcaraz, their respective play styles are not quite as similar as the 24-time Grand Slam champion might think.

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