Rising up to the Djokovic challenge

Along with Djokovic, Alcaraz and No. 3 Medvedev emerge as the players to beat

Even at the very top of men's tennis, there exists a gap; a gap between the top three and the rest. They are all very good players no doubt, but Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev have managed to pull away and establish a class of their very own.

A fascinating rivalry is developing. Djokovic, at 36, is the wily veteran who wants to be around for a few more years. Medvedev, at 27, is the battle-hardened challenger who has gone through the grind to inch closer to the Serb. Alcaraz, at 20, is the phenom who makes for compulsive viewing with his sheer athleticism and array of winners.

All are at different stages of their careers but are all aiming for the very same thing.

Djokovic stands out-because of his record, his experience and his flexibility... the ability to adapt; to change on the go. And we have seen all that on display in this Australian Open already. A not-sogreat start would have ruffled others, but the world No.1 shrugged it off and has got better with every outing since.