Novak Djokovic has finally been humbled after getting defeated after ten years at Wimbledon by the world no. 1, Carlos Alcaraz. In a match that was nothing short of an epic nail-biting, almost 5-hour-long match Carlos dethroned the defending champion who was looking at his 24th Grand Slam victory.
In addition to helping Alcaraz win his first Wimbledon championship, the victory made him just the seventh person in the Open Era to win multiple Major championships before turning 21. The young 20-year-old has been receiving praise and heartwarming words from fans and players worldwide, and Djokovic himself as well.
Novak Djokovic says he’s never played a player like Carlos Alcaraz:
“People have been talking about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, & myself. I’d agree with that. He’s basically got the best of all 3 worlds… I haven’t played a player like him ever” pic.twitter.com/LTaYcrC45Y
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 16, 2023
Djokovic said, “I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest” in the post-match press conference. He went on to add how the Spaniard has the best elements from the big three saying, “I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself.”
“I would agree with that. I think he’s got basically the best of all three worlds. He’s got this mental resilience and real 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.” Djokovic added.
Carlos Alcaraz has the mentality of his fellow Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, along with the spin game and mobility. He draws his similarities in playing the baseline from Djokovic, with a brutal backhand. And finally, he has the killer instinct and shotmaker’s approach of Roger, with a forehand that is true to God’s work.
Novak Djokovic looks forward to playing in the US Open with Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz is just 20 years old and won his maiden Wimbledon final. He already has two grand-slam victories, the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon, credited to his name. After praising Alcaraz for his terrific gameplay which has the best elements from ‘The Big Three,’ Nole went on to express his excitement for the possible US Open match between them.
The Serb expressed his desire for a rivalry with the Spaniard and said, “He’s going to be on the tour for quite some time. I don’t know how long I’ll be around.”
Djokovic was asked about Alcaraz rivalry in press
“Do you feel this is the beginning of a big rivalry?”
Novak: I hope so (laughs). I mean, for my sake. He’s gonna be on tour for quite some time. I don’t know how long I’ll be around.” pic.twitter.com/keIOva8ebA
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 16, 2023
When Carlos was asked whether he was ready to step up and become the rival Djokovic deserves. The 20-year-old confidently answered positively and believed he is ready and had what it took to beat Djokovic.
The 20-year-old has a 2-1 head-to-head advantage after three matches on the tour between Djokovic and Alcaraz. They competed in this year’s French Open semifinals before their match in the Wimbledon final. The Serb won with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, taking advantage of Alcaraz’s nervousness-related cramping.
A lifelong dream! 🏆💚 You always have to believe! I’m only 20 years old, everything is happening too fast, but I’m very proud of how we work every day. Thank you everyone for your support, from the bottom of my heart! 🙌🏻😍 @Wimbledon
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/MsdjFqBhiO
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 16, 2023
Alcaraz is one of the most, if not the most, promising players in the next generation of tennis players. Having played only four grass-court matches, the young Spaniard adapted very quickly to the surface, as Djokovic noticed as well. With the talent Carlos has, it looks like there will be a rivalry for the books between the two.