
Derby see off Oxford to keep play-off hopes alive
Derby County secures a vital 1-0 win over Oxford United, keeping play-off dreams alive.
Novak Djokovic, nearing forty, remains a formidable opponent for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, showcasing his experience and skill despite a limited schedule.
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Novak Djokovic is approaching his forties, but he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down as he continues to take on the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Despite playing a limited schedule these days, the 24-time Grand Slam champion still tends to be the toughest opponent for both Sinner and Alcaraz when it comes to the biggest stages.
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Djokovic has beaten Sinner and Alcaraz 10 times on the ATP Tour and del Potro believes he could be buoyed because he’s now playing without pressure.
The Serbian star has won everything possible in tennis and he is now looking to build upon his magical career.
Speaking to La Nacion, del Potro said: “My friend Nole [Djokovic], if he’s in good form, like he was in Australia, is one of those who can break through that barrier between them.
“Novak has entered that stage of the race where he is to enjoy everything he did, without the pressure of winning everything he plays.
“Obviously, he is more aware than everyone of his physical condition, of how he feels playing tennis, of how strong Jannik and Carlos are.
“But it’s Novak, and his chances go up a bit when he faces them in the best-of-three matches. Knowing him, the only thing that keeps him interested is beating both of them at the same tournament.
“He has achieved everything he planned, including the Olympic Games gold medal, which was in an incredible context.”
This year Djokovic has only played two tournaments – at the Australian Open and Indian Wells – having yet to appear at any clay court events after recently withdrawing from Madrid.
Djokovic's extensive experience and strategic play allow him to excel against younger competitors, even with a reduced playing schedule.
Novak Djokovic is approaching forty years old, yet he continues to perform at a high level, challenging younger players effectively.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner have faced Djokovic in significant matches but often find him to be their toughest opponent on major stages.

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Sinner and Alcaraz might be the dominant force in men’s tennis, but Djokovic has consistently held his own in their matchups.
He has faced Alcaraz 10 times, with each player winning five of those contests. That split speaks volumes about how well Djokovic still competes against one of the game’s brightest stars.
That record includes some big moments for Djokovic, including wins at the Paris Olympics and in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Australian Open.
Alcaraz, though, has won their last two meetings — first at the 2025 US Open and then again in the final of the 2026 Australian Open.
Sinner holds a narrow lead over Djokovic as well, with six wins from their 11 matches. The Italian had a run of five straight victories before Djokovic turned things around at this year’s Australian Open semi-final with a win in five sets.
Djokovic also owns key victories over Sinner from previous seasons, including wins at Wimbledon, the ATP Finals and Monte Carlo.
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