Novak Djokovic believes Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz possesses the “better of all three worlds”, cloning the skills of himself, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. World primary Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 within the Wimbledon remaining on Sunday after 4 hours and 42 minutes of breathless motion on Centre Court docket. The consequence shattered 36-year-old Djokovic’s bid to assert a record-equalling eighth title on the All England Membership and twenty fourth Grand Slam crown.
Requested what makes the 20-year-old Alcaraz such a risk, the Serb star defined that he has duplicated his weapons, in addition to Federer and Nadal — the storied ‘massive three’ of tennis who between them have 65 Grand Slam titles.
“I feel he is obtained principally better of all three worlds,” mentioned Djokovic.
“Folks have been speaking prior to now 12 months or so about his recreation consisting of sure components from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I’d agree with that.”
Hailing Alcaraz for his “Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness”, Djokovic sees similarities within the famend combating spirit and “unimaginable defence” of Nadal.
Alcaraz’s backhands are straight out of the Djokovic playbook.
“That is been my private power for a few years,” he mentioned.
“I have not performed a participant like him ever, to be sincere. Roger and Rafa have their very own clearly strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a really full participant.
“Superb adapting capabilities that I feel are a key for longevity and for profitable profession on all surfaces.”
– ‘Powerful to swallow’ –
Within the rapid aftermath of his loss on Sunday, Djokovic was stuffed with reward for Alcaraz.
Simply final month, Djokovic defeated the Spaniard within the French Open semi-finals, with Alcaraz’s problem undermined by physique cramping introduced on by the stress of dealing with his rival.
Nonetheless, Alcaraz has now overwhelmed Djokovic twice of their three conferences, having first obtained the higher of him on clay on the Madrid Masters final 12 months.
“What a top quality on the finish of the match while you needed to serve it out,” Djokovic instructed the champion throughout the Centre Court docket trophy ceremony.
“You possibly can up with some massive performs within the massive scenario and also you completely deserve it.
“It is a powerful one to swallow if you find yourself so shut.”
Regardless of his defeat on Centre Court docket in 10 years, Djokovic, who had gained the earlier 4 Wimbledon titles, insisted he nonetheless has the need to maintain on chasing silverware on the majors.
“I have been blessed with so many unimaginable matches all through my profession. I am actually grateful. I misplaced to a greater participant and I’ve to maneuver on stronger,” he mentioned after seeing his 34-match win streak on the event ended.
He hailed Alcaraz, who now has two Grand Slam titles following his US Open breakthrough final 12 months, and two titles on grass in simply 4 tournaments on the floor.
“I believed I’d have bother with you solely on clay and laborious court docket, however not on grass however now it is a totally different story from this 12 months clearly,” mentioned the Serb, who briefly broke down in tears as he addressed the group.
“I assume when all of the feelings are settled I am going to should be very grateful. I gained many tight and shut matches prior to now right here, to call a couple of — 2019 towards Roger.
“Possibly I ought to have misplaced a couple of finals that I gained so possibly that is even stevens.”
The consequence ended Djokovic’s hopes of making an attempt the primary males’s calendar Grand Slam since 1969, having gained the Australian and French Opens this 12 months.
The final man to finish the sweep, Rod Laver, heaped reward on each males.
“Carlos Alcaraz….you definitely discovered your toes on grass this summer time, an astonishing achievement towards one of many biggest champions ever,” the Australian tweeted.
“Novak Djokovic. I am positive there will probably be many extra magnificent battles between you two.”
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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