Djokovic’s terrifying claim about tennis’ new ‘king’

Novak Djokovic has made a startling claim about tennis’ new king — and it will be crushing news for the rest of the men’s tennis field.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz smiles as he holds the winner's trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles final tennis match on the last day of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 16, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

No pressure, kid.

Novak Djokovic has admitted he is in awe of Carlos Alcaraz after the 20-year-old dethroned the seven-time champion in one of Wimbledon’s greatest finals.

Djokovic had not lost at Wimbledon since 2017 — and had not lost on Centre Court for 10 years.

The Serbian has been left to regret two critical moments in the rollercoaster contest where he dropped a set point opportunity to go up two sets up in the second set tiebreak — and also let a break point opportunity slip through his fingers up 1-0 in the fifth set.

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Through it all, Alcaraz was unflappable, pulling off ridiculous shot-making and continually red-lining his game with risky, bold shots.

That temperament, is just one of many reasons Alcaraz has cemented himself as the heir to tennis’ “Big Three era” — but it gets much scarier than that.

Djokovic on Monday morning made the terrifying claim Alcaraz has the best parts of himself, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. A man with no weaknesses.

“I think he’s got basically best of all three worlds,” said Djokovic.

“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.”

Hailing Alcaraz for his “Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness”, Djokovic sees similarities in the renowned fighting spirit and “incredible defence” of Nadal.

Alcaraz’s backhands are straight out of the Djokovic playbook. “That’s been my personal strength for many years,” he said.

“I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own obviously strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player.

One of the great finals. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images.

“Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for successful career on all surfaces.”

With two grand slams to his name before his 21st birthday Alcaraz has all the tools to dominate the sport for the next 10 years.

While many scoffed at the recent suggestion from Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero that his apprentice could win 30 majors — the ridiculous claim suddenly doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Perhaps even scarier for the rest of the ATP Tour is the fact Alcaraz agrees with Djokovic’s assessment that he has attributes of Federer, Nadal and the man he dethroned on Monday.

Asked about that glowing tribute, the ultra-confident Alcaraz said: “It’s crazy that Novak say that. But I consider myself a really complete player.

“I have the shots, the strength physically, the strength mentally. “Probably he’s right. But I don’t want to think about it. I’m the full Carlos Alcaraz, let’s say.”

Alcaraz even admits the changing of the guard may have arrived.

Alcaraz ended Djokovic’s run of four successive Wimbledon titles with an epic 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory in a final for the ages.

The 20-year-old wore down Djokovic over four hours and 42 minutes of unrelenting drama on Centre Court, clinching his first Wimbledon crown and the second major title of his career.

After two decades of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominating the sport, Alcaraz says his victory could be the start of a new era.

Long live the king. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images.

“It’s a dream. I’m 20. I didn’t experience many moments like this. Making history like I did today, it’s the happiest moment of my life,” Alcaraz said.

“Beating Novak at his best on this stage, making history, being the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on this court is amazing for me.

“It’s great for the new generation to see me beating him and make them think they are capable of doing it as well. It’s great for me, and the young players as well.”

When Djokovic won his first major at the Australian Open in 2008, Alcaraz was still three months shy of his fifth birthday.

But with Federer retired and Nadal close to the end of his glittering career, Alcaraz has emerged as Djokovic’s biggest challenger.

Alcaraz, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, has replaced the Serb at the top of the world rankings and his Wimbledon victory may hasten the emergence of a new generation to replace the “Big Three”.

“Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon is something I dreamed about since I start playing tennis,” Alcaraz said.

Djokovic was aiming for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and could also have matched Margaret Court’s all-time mark of 24 Grand Slam singles crowns.

Instead, the 36-year-old leaves Wimbledon licking his wounds after being over-powered by the relentless Alcaraz.

In an ominous warning to Djokovic, Alcaraz said his All England Club win can provide a foundation for more success when they meet again.

“Probably before today I didn’t think I was ready to beat Djokovic in five sets in an epic match like this, to stay good physically and mentally against a legend like Djokovic,” said Alcaraz.

“I will remember this moment in other Grand Slams and think I am ready to play five sets against him. It probably changed my mind a bit.”

The baddest man in tennis. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images.

When he won his maiden Slam title at the US Open last year he become the youngest champion of a men’s major since storied compatriot Rafael Nadal at the 2005 French Open.

He also became the youngest man to ascend to the world number one ranking.

The modest, muscular star from the small Murcian town of El Palmar in Spain’s south-east hit the giant-killing jackpot at Madrid in 2022 when he became the only man to defeat both Nadal and Djokovic at the same clay-court event.

For good measure, he achieved it on back-to-back days on his way to the title. “Carlos’s intensity and speed is something you rarely see,” said Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal.

“His game follows the same path as Rafa; he never gives up until the last ball and has that characteristic intensity.” Nadal was also 19 when he won the first of his 22 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros in 2005.

However, Nadal has always pleaded with fans not to put pressure on Alcaraz by making bold comparisons.

“I forgot what I was like at 19,” said Nadal. “The only thing we can do is enjoy the career of an extraordinary player like Carlos.

“If he manages to win 25 Grand Slams, it will be fantastic for him and for our country. But let him enjoy his career.”

For Alcaraz, the sky is the limit after he dethroned Djokovic to confirm his emergence as the sport’s new king.

— with AFP