Novak Djokovic was forced to correct a journalist in his press conference, with the 38-year-old hoping to add another title to his collection when he faces Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the Hellenic Championship on Saturday.
The former world No 1 has been in fine form in Athens and, on Friday, reached the final by beating German star Yannick Hanfmann.
Djokovic has, however, slipped below tennis' elite in recent times - with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner domating the Grand Slams.
Alcaraz won the French Open and US Open this year, while Sinner increased his haul of majors with triumphs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Djokovic, speaking as he prepares for Saturday's final in Greece, had to correct a journalist who started their question by saying: "[You] said that Sinner and Alcaraz raised tennis on another level."
However, the Serb then hit back and insisted that's not exactly what he said.
“I didn’t say that. I said that those two play level above others currently," said the tennis legend.
"Have to show some respect to us. Has to be some respect for Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal] , Andy [Murray] and me. That’s the level of tennis we want. Those two are level above others."
Novak Djokovic has more Grand Slam titles than any other player in history
|GETTY
Novak Djokovic was forced to correct a journalist in his press conference, with the 38-year-old hoping to add another title to his collection when he faces Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the Hellenic Championship on Saturday
|REUTERS
Djokovic is the last member of tennis' big four still standing.
Roger Federer retired in 2022 after winning 20 majors.
He is the only male player in history to have eight Wimbledon crowns, with his swashbuckling style earning him a place in the history books.
Andy Murray quit the sport after last year's Paris Olympics.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated tennis this year | REUTERSThough he often found himself missing out on Grand Slam titles to his rivals, he still managed two Wimbledon crowns and one US Open trophy.
Nadal secured 22 Grand Slams during his own career before retiring from the sport last year.
A staggering 14 of those came on the clay courts of Roland Garros, a total that is unlikely to ever be beaten.
Djokovic, however, doesn't appear ready to hang up his racket just yet.
He has won 24 Grand Slams, more than any other player, and remains determined to add one more to his trophy cabinet.
Speaking recently, he admitted he was frustrated at questions over his furture because he's still eager to play at the highest level.
“Why do I need to get this question all the time?" he said.
Novak Djokovic is still going strong at the age of 38
|REUTERS
“I think I’ve earned the right to play for as long as I really want.
"Stan Wawrinka gets asked that a lot too — and I’ve heard his interviews and thought he was absolutely right when he said: ‘Hey guys, leave me alone. Let me play, let me enjoy myself.’
“Personally, I understand people’s curiosity, but right now that doesn’t exist in my head.
"Of course it’s crossed my mind a few times, but at the end of the day I’ve decided to simply play on my own terms — to play where I want to play, not where others think I should."
Saturday's meeting will be the 10th between Djokovic and Musetti.
The Serb has won eight of those matches, with his sole defeat coming in Monte Carlo in 2023.