World number one Novak Djokovic has described Carlos Alcaraz as a diligent and extremely talented player and admitted he was positively surprised by the 19-year-old’s results in 2022.
Alcaraz, who turned 19 this month, has won four titles this season, including two Masters titles in Miami and Madrid. After the first five months of the season, Alcaraz climbed to number six in the world, the best ranking of his career.
Alcaraz is seen as someone who will be the face of the men’s game for many years to come. “In the case of Alcaraz, I mean obviously he surprised everyone with his results this year,” Djokovic told Eurosport.
“He deserves, obviously, a hard-working man, so talented. You know, we all give him a lot of praise. Now is the time to get back to ourselves.”
We appreciate his game and what does he offer tennis? Yes, without a doubt.”
Djokovic and Alcaraz could meet in the Roland Garros semi-finals.
Djokovic and Alcaraz first faced each other earlier this month in Madrid.
In a match that lasted three and a half hours, Alcaraz narrowly won in three sets. Djokovic’s path to victory at the French Open may include Alcaraz and he has hinted that he will be ready if that happens.
“As you know, Grand Slams are different, we play better than five sets, so of course the experience that Rafael and I and guys like Tsitsipas and Zverev who have been there for a few years already, can help,” Djokovic added.
“But that’s not necessarily, I think, the deciding factor in who is going to win or the match. You can see that Alcaraz and Zverev have struggled, both in the last round saving balls.
So you know you can’t take anything for granted. You cannot underestimate the discount. Like I said, the Grand Slam really awakens the greatest motivation and inspiration to give the best of himself to every player.”
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