'I Wish Novak Was 10 Years Younger': Wilander Wants More Of Alcaraz-Djokovic Rivalry

Thursday, 20 July 2023 at 16:30

byNurein Ahmed

The blossoming rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic is exciting tennis fans, and retired pro, Mats Wilander wants to see more epic duels between the pair.

Throughout tennis history, the prospect of the two best players in the world facing off has the capability of transcending the sport. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic - the two best players on the ATP Tour - played in one of the most entertaining and epic matches in recent memory. By the time it was all settled, tennis fans were left wanting more.

The matchup between the top two has steadily developed into a rivalry good enough to whet our appetite. Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 2-1, and seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander wishes 36-year-old Djokovic was at least 10 years younger for us to enjoy more matches between them.

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"I would love to see Novak stay in our sport for another 3 or 4 years just so I can see this match again. I wish Novak was 10 years younger that we will see this rivalry for another 10 years."

— Mats Wilander told Eurosport

Mats Wilander and many tennis fans will likely have their thirst for another match in the coming months quenched. Djokovic and Alcaraz are on the entry list in tournaments in North America. The Serbian star is also expected to travel to the United States following a Covid-19 policy change in the United States.

Wilander went on to break down the game style of Alcaraz and Djokovic, reiterating that while they are both baseliners, there are subtle differences between the two players, adding that Alcaraz has so much flair and Djokovic pushes himself to be aggressive.

"There is a contrast of style between these two even though both are baseliners. There is the contrast of style I think because Carlos Alcaraz has so much flair and has so much explosivity in his arm and he can hit these forehands and massage the little drop shots,"

"And then you have the other style which is the relentless defensive game of Novak Djokovic, who sometimes pushes himself to be more aggressive than maybe he wants to but he does it at the right time. But the defensive skills are absolutely incredible. Throw on top of that the defensive skills of Alcaraz, because he's got those as well."