Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis icon, recently extolled the burgeoning talent of Carlos Alcaraz, emphasizing the positive trajectory the young Spaniard is setting for the sport. Reflecting on their recent exhibition clash at the Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, Djokovic lauded Alcaraz’s contribution, stating, “It is fantastic to have him in our sport. Tennis is in good hands.” This acknowledgment comes amidst a riveting match that showcased Alcaraz’s exceptional skills and resilience, underscoring the exciting prospects awaiting tennis enthusiasts.
In their exhibition encounter, Alcaraz, at a mere 20 years old, displayed an impressive blend of tenacity and skill, staging an incredible comeback after initially dropping the first set to eventually clinch victory over Djokovic. Beyond the match result, Djokovic’s admiration for Alcaraz’s on-court prowess and off-court demeanor signifies a passing of the torch in men’s tennis, acknowledging the emergence of a new generation of formidable competitors.
The Serbian champion’s praise for Alcaraz resonates beyond their exhibition match, encompassing their previous intense battles on the professional circuit. Their encounters at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2023 showcased Alcaraz’s talent, hinting at a potential rivalry brewing between the seasoned champion and the young prodigy. Djokovic’s commendation of Alcaraz’s skill set and character serves as a testament to the transformative shift taking place within the sport, setting the stage for an enthralling future in tennis.
Djokovic: “It is fantastic to have him (Alcaraz) in our sport. Tennis is in good hands”. pic.twitter.com/zRDgr87JVi
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) December 27, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
LWLWWWWWWW Currently ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 18th of November when he surrendered to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This season Alcaraz has managed to achieve a composed 65-12 match record. Alcaraz conquered 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Alcaraz was the runner-up in Rio de Janeiro and Cincinnati.
Alcaraz is scheduled to compete next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 14th of January.
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWWWWWWLWW Currently the world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 25th of November when he capitulated to world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 2-6 7-5 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
During this season the Serbian achieved a composed 56-7 win-loss record. Novak clinched 7 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Djokovic reached the final in Wimbledon.
Djokovic has scheduled to play next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 14th of January.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic faced off 5 times. Their current record is 3-2 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they played each other, Novak Djokovic won 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in Turin (Nitto ATP Finals) on the 18th of November 2023.
Here are the highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
