Tim Henman says it is "a scary thing" for Novak Djokovic to know that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are improving, and also thinks the Serb will need someone to beat those to have a chance at winning a Grand Slam.
This past season, Djokovic made the semifinals in all four Grand Slams, but didn't make any finals after retiring to Alexander Zverev – losing twice to Sinner – and once to Alcaraz.
After losing to Alcaraz in the US Open semifinal, Djokovic admitted that it wasn't getting any easier for him. However, the Serb – who turns 39 in May – noted that he would be back and that he would play as long as he believed that he had a chance to win.
Since winning a record 24th Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has remained a force in Majors as he has had several deep runs on the biggest stage since then. But the main reason why he hasn't won a Slam in two years is the Alcaraz and Sinner challenge.
Henman: Djokovic relies on someone else beating Alcaraz or Sinner
“He could make another Grand Slam final, but I think he relies on someone else beating Alcaraz or Sinner. It will be interesting to see what happens with his ranking, his seeding, whether he has to play one of those, Alcaraz or Sinner, in the quarters, or if he is protected and would play them in the semis. But I just think it’s the physicality, the recovery when you get older, it certainly doesn’t get any easier," former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist Henman said on The Tennis podcast.
The former British tennis star also tipped the two top-ranked players in the men's game to reach the Australian Open final.
“The scary thing is that Alcaraz and Sinner are getting better, given they’re 14 years younger. It’s a scary thought. Look, I feel pretty confident that unless something strange happens, it will be Alcaraz and Sinner in the final in Melbourne," Henman added.
Djokovic may not enter the 2026 Australian Open as the top favorite for the title, but it is still the tournament where he is a record 10-time champion.