Novak Djokovic's defeat in the Wimbledon final signaled the changing of the guard in men's tennis, but Carlos Alcaraz doesn't think so.
The 20-year-old has the utmost respect for Djokovic and his Spanish compatriot Rafael Nadal, two iconic names in tennis history who are still part and parcel of the current ATP roster. Pundits and onlookers alike believe that men's tennis could have witnessed the passing of the baton in Sunday's final when Alcaraz defeated Djokovic.
The widening cracks are starting to show in the edifice of men's tennis. Nadal is out for the season due to injury and revealed he could play the final year of his professional career in 2024. Djokovic at 36, is still going strong and the only standing pillar of the Big 3. But having amassed the most Grand Slams by any man with 23, it is natural we might see him drop his guard.
Alcaraz's win on Sunday was akin to what many other sports experience where a new star emerges from the limelight, basks in the hype, and beats a legend of the sport to fully announce his arrival. It felt that way on Sunday, but Alcaraz isn't expecting any changes in the short-term future.
"I do not think so (on whether Wimbledon win heralded a new era), I do not think so because while they are playing and are active Rafa and Djokovic, there will not be a change of era,"
The world no. 1 then admitted that a new era will only come to fruition once Djokovic and Nadal close the curtains on their playing careers. And his second Grand Slam triumph was a moment reserved for himself and his team.
"In a few years, when they retire and no longer play, the debate may arise again. Now is not the time. I have won for me and for my team, not to start an Era."
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