Without Roger Federer, now retired, and without Rafael Nadal, injured and away from the courts since last January, the new generation of tennis players is gradually taking over the circuit.

Proof of this is the line-up for the ATP Finals in Turin, with the presence of six players who have been through the 'Next Gen' Finals in Milan since 2017.

The only two who did not use that tournament as a springboard, because it was not on the calendar, were Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.

The Serb, who is one win away from securing the world number one ranking at the end of the season for the eighth time, continues to find motivation despite his advancing years.

Novak Djokovic is motivated by his young opponents

Now he wants to be the scourge of the new generation after becoming the most successful professional tennis player of all time, even if he holds a high level of respect for them.

"I don't know what Gen or group I'm in, but I'm back here competing with the youngsters and it's an extra motivation because I know they're hungry to win and make history, and that inspires me and motivates me more to play my best tennis," he said on Friday in Turin.

One particular opponent of note in the ATP Finals is Carlos Alcaraz, who defeat him in the Wimbledon Final of 2023, and there is a huge chance of revenge for the Serb if the two meet during the upcoming tournament.