World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was in awe with Novak Djokovic's bold statement that he is a mix of the Big 3, but was not in consensus, adding that he wants to follow his own path.
Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final to win the Wimbledon men's title last month, a performance that drew massive praise from Djokovic who went on record to break down Alcaraz's strengths and ability to those of himself, Roger Federer, and Alcaraz's childhood hero Rafael Nadal.
The jury is still out there with tennis fans and pundits still embracing the Spaniard's meteoric ascent. But the magnitude of Djokovic's claims, just shortly after a devastating loss, suggests he's singled out Alcaraz because he's not an ordinary 20-year-old.
And having witnessed his talents firsthand, Djokovic has never backtracked on his statement. Alcaraz was honored to receive such special praise but admitted that he's trying to carve out his own career path, and doesn't embody the characteristics of anybody else but himself.
"Well, I mean, it's great, someone like Novak says these things about you. Someone who played against the best Rafa, against the best Roger, and says that I have some things about them, is great for me."
"But I do not totally agree 'cause I always say that I'm full Carlos Alcaraz. I didn't put his styles like Rafa, like Roger, like Novak. I just try to follow my own path, try to create Carlos Alcaraz. I always say that. I'm believing that I'm not the characteristics of anyone but Carlos Alcaraz."
Alcaraz and Djokovic are going to battle for the Cincinnati Masters crown on Sunday afternoon in Ohio. It will be their first hard-court meeting and a rematch of their Wimbledon month just a month ago.
The outcome of the match won't affect the new rankings on Monday as Alcaraz already cemented his top seed status for the US Open by achieving the bare minimum - a final appearance in Cincinnati.
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