Novak Djokovic Outlines How Carlos Alcaraz Is Similar To Rafael Nadal
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Novak Djokovic was recently asked about Carlos Alcaraz, which led the Serbian to compare the 21-year-old to Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic's comparisons to Nadal are worth noting because the 24-time Grand Slam champion considers the Spaniard his greatest rival, who had the most significant impact on his career.
Djokovic has had several great rivals over the years, including Roger Federer and Andy Murray, who is now the 37-year-old's coach. However, Nadal had the biggest effect on Djokovic after countless epic battles between them.
They contested some of the best matches in tennis history, including the longest Grand Slam final ever at the 2012 Australian Open and finals at all of the other Grand Slam finals. Both men entertained tennis fans for years.
Their last match came at October's Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After winning in straight sets, Djokovic paid an emotional tribute to Nadal, calling him an incredible person who he wished did not have to retire.
Unfortunately for Djokovic and Nadal's millions of fans worldwide, Nadal's career came to an end at November's Davis Cup Finals. His final match ended in a defeat to the Netherlands's Botic van de Zandschulp before Spain was eventually eliminated 2-1.
Nadal's retirement means Spanish fans will be relieved by Alcaraz's emergence. The world No. 3 is already a four-time Grand Slam champion and would complete the Calendar Grand Slam if he wins the Australian Open.
Despite Alcaraz's incredible success at a young age, Djokovic warned the two-time Wimbledon champion against talking about history, which he has done several times. Djokovic thinks it is too early for that kind of talk.
Alcaraz and Djokovic could meet in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open. While not certain yet, it has the potential to be one of the best quarterfinals in the tournament's history if both men progress that far.
Djokovic was asked about that possible matchup. The ten-time Australian Open champion thinks it is too early to discuss playing Alcaraz in Melbourne, but he compared him to Nadal while speaking about Alcaraz generally.
"I mean, it's quite far to talk about potential matchup against him in quarters. But just overall, you know, he brings so much energy and intensity on the court. From that perspective, reminds me a lot of Rafa."
"Just such a complete player. He can hurt you from anywhere on any court on any surface. He has shown that. His versatility is amazing. That he was able at such a young age to reach that level of tennis and I think mental maturity on the court, which is impressive."
The tennis legend ended his warm words about Alcaraz by saying that he has been one of the best players in the world in recent years and is likely to achieve much more in the coming years.
"Makes him one of the best players in the world the last three, four years, without a doubt. He's winning slams every year now consecutively for few years in a row. I'm sure that he's not going to stop here We're going to see Carlos many years to follow."
