I haven’t played a player like Carlos Alcaraz ever – Novak Djokovic

 

Novak Djokovic admitted he hasn’t ever played a player like Carlos Alcaraz in his glorious career ever. The Serbian said Alcaraz has got the best qualities out of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and him. The Spaniard defeated Djokovic in a thrilling five-setter in the Wimbledon final on Sunday to claim his maiden title at SW19.

Alcaraz had to battle for almost five hours and he was able to bring his best game against Djokovic when it mattered the most. The youngster was able to grab his chances against the veteran and came out all guns blazing.

Djokovic was full of praise for the youngster and admitted that a better player won on Sunday. The Serbian was chasing his 24th Grand Slam title but his 46-match-winning streak at SW19 was put paid by Alcaraz.

“I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about [Alcaraz’s] game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that. I think he’s got basically best of all three worlds,” Djokovic said.

“He’s got this mental resilience and really maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It’s quite impressive. He’s got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defense that we’ve seen with Rafa over the years. And I think he’s got some nice sliding backhands that he’s got some similarities with my backhands. The two-handed backhands, defense, being able to adapt. I think that has been my personal strength for many years. He has it, too.

“I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own obvious strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces.”

Djokovic is also excited with the prospect of rivalry against Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard holds a 2-1 advantage against the veteran in a Head-to-Head battle.

“He’s going to be on the Tour for quite some time. I don’t know how long I’ll be around. It’s been only three matches that we played against each other. Three really close matches. Two already this year in later stages of Grand Slams,” said Djokovic, who defeated Alcaraz en route to the Roland Garros crown.

“I hope we get to play in US Open. Why not? I think it’s good for the sport, 1 and 2 in the world facing each other in almost a five-hours, five-set thriller. Couldn’t be better for our sport in general.”

Djokovic is next expected to be part of the Canadian Masters in Toronto.