John McEnroe was surprised by how Novak Djokovic conducted himself around Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic did not cross paths with Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Masters this week after pulling out of the event due to injury. However, the last time the pair featured in the same draw, John McEnroe was left shocked.

That moment came at the US Open in September, where Djokovic was beaten 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 by Alcaraz in the semi-finals. After the loss, McEnroe pointed out Djokovic's reaction to eventual champion Alcaraz that sets the tennis icon apart from the rest. Speaking to ESPN, the former tennis star said: "He doesn't lose much, but he's always been gracious enough when he does. He always gives the players their due. But this is an incredible challenger [Alcaraz]."

Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam since clinching the US Open two years ago, which coincidentally matches up with the rise of Alcaraz and his rival, Jannik Sinner. The Serbian has been a dominant force in tennis for almost two decades but it seems the veteran star is aware of his latest challengers taking centre stage.

Discussing the talent of Alcaraz and Sinner, Djokovic said: "It's never fun losing a tennis match, but at the same time, if I'm to lose to someone, I would lose to these two guys. I know that they are just better at the moment. You just have to hand it to them and say, 'Well done.'"

The Serbian has won a record 24 Grand Slams throughout his illustrious career but McEnroe has hinted that Djokovic may want to call time on tennis if he continues to be dominated by the younger generation. The American said: "I don't know. It's all up to him.

"In a way, I wouldn't be surprised if he stopped. But I would be surprised if he tried to go one more year. That would be my bet.

"He's been the third-best player in the world this year. That's what he was. So we hear the applause. That's nice.

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"But these guys have separated themselves. These two [Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner], it's incredible. How quickly they've just dominated the game. What are we gonna do? No Federer, Nadal. Then these two come along."

Djokovic has been open about slowing down in his older age in comparison to the younger stars, admitting that the physical nature of the sport can be overwhelming. Speaking after the US Open, he said: "Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set [against Alacaraz]. I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that I was gassed out, and he kept going.

"That's kind of what I felt this year also with Jannik. Yeah, best-of-five makes it very, very difficult for me to play them, particularly if it's the end stages of the Grand Slam."

Djokovic added: "I'm happy with my level of tennis, but it's just the physicality of it. As I said after the quarter-finals, the press conference when I spoke to you guys, I said I'm going to do my very best to get my body in shape to sustain that level and that rhythm for as many hours as it's needed.

"But it wasn't enough. That's something I, unfortunately at this point in time in my career, can't control."