After losing in the Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, Novak Djokovic expressed his utmost admiration for Carlos Alcaraz. By winning the first set 6-4, Djokovic did not play at his best and lost the following two by the same score.
With the Australian Open starting in just over two weeks, the two players are ranked as the top two. That implies that they might square off in the Grand Slam championship game in the first round.
Though Djokovic has won ten of his 24 major titles in Melbourne, Alcaraz will be hoping that this off-season triumph establishes that he is a formidable opponent. By encouraging his younger opponent to have an equally distinguished career, the Serbian demonstrated his class.
Djokovic expressed his thoughts about Alcaraz and said: “It’s fantastic to have Alcaraz in our sport. He is one of the leaders of this sport today and he is going to carry our sport for the next 10 to 15 years. We are going to see a lot of him. Tennis is in good hands.”
He further said: “It’s impressive for such a young age what he’s achieved. He’s a very humble, nice guy. His family, his father, is a very nice family with great values.”
Novak Djokovic in 2023
Currently the world no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 25th of November when he was overcome by world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 2-6 7-5 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season the Serbian has achieved an overall 56-7 match record. Novak clinched 7 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. The Serbian was the runner-up in Wimbledon.
Djokovic will compete 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 in 2023
Ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 18th of November when he was defeated by world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
At the moment, during this season Alcaraz has a 65-12 record. The Spaniard conquered 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Carlos reached the final in Rio de Janeiro and Cincinnati.
Alcaraz 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.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz clashed against each other 5 times. Their actual record is 3-2 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they squared off, 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.