Novak Djokovic had only the highest praise when talking about Carlos Alcaraz recently. The Serbian player believes there is no one who could match the Spaniard when it comes to charisma.
Alcaraz is a really special player. He’s one of the most successful players in the history of men’s tennis, and he’s also an incredibly likable character.
Djokovic knows that well. Despite their huge age gap, the two have developed a good friendship while seeing each other around the ATP Tour. Alcaraz has huge respect for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, and the same applies also the other way around.
Djokovic will soon return to the tennis courts and before his return, he sat down with the Montenegrin publication Vijesti. During the interview, he also talked about the current state of men’s tennis, as he doesn’t have any more active rivals from his era.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray all retired from the sport. But Djokovic believes that tennis is in good hands, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz playing at a very high level.
“We have Alcaraz and Sinner developing a new rivalry. Nadal, Federer, and I, as well as Murray, whom I have to include here, have truly dominated men’s tennis over the past 15–20 years and have set the standards and criteria very high—not just in terms of results but also in all other aspects and expectations that a champion and world number one should uphold.”
“This includes how they should represent themselves, how they should play the role of an ambassador for the sport, and how they should lead the sport.”
Although he praised both for how well they can play, there is one factor in which Djokovic sees Alcaraz far above Sinner. The Serbian player believes that no one can match the Spaniard’s charisma.
“When it comes to charisma, Alcaraz stands out—not just because of his game, incredible achievements, and results at such a young age, but also because he is highly charismatic, a fair-play competitor, and kind to everyone.”
“Even when he loses, he does so with a smile, which is truly impressive for someone so young who doesn’t have much experience yet carries himself as if he has been on tour for 10 years or more.”
Djokovic thinks that Alcaraz was able to become such a fair and charismatic player also because he started working with Juan Carlos Ferrero at a very young age. It’s clear that the Serbian really respects his 16 years younger rival.
“I believe the reason for this is his proper upbringing, his environment, and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero—a former world number one and Grand Slam champion—who instilled in him from an early age what it means to be an athlete.”
“Not just in terms of performing as a champion, achieving results, and being persistent, but also in understanding the values and principles of sportsmanship that should be upheld, nurtured, and passed on as a guiding light for younger generations who follow tennis and aspire to achieve success one day.”
