20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic admits he doesn’t know Carlos Alcaraz that well but added the 18-year-old seems like a very respectful and nice guy.
Djokovic, 34, has been dominating the ATP Tour for the past decade and a half.
Alcaraz, 18, has had a stunning start to his career and many believe the Spaniard has the potential to go down as one of the best players in tennis history.
“Fantastic news for tennis world as we have a new superstar like Alcaraz. I don’t know him that well, I’ve never practiced or played with him, but he has a reputation as a very nice guy, very respectful, and he gets along very well with all the players, with me, of course as well, last year, year and half that I’ve seen him, in a few tournaments, he’s been very nice. Him and Ferrero, his coach I’ve known for quite some time,” Djokovic said, per Sportskeeda.
Djokovic on Alcaraz’s game
Alcaraz is quickly establishing himself as one of the best players on the Tour.
In Miami, Alcaraz won his first Masters title.
Now, Alcaraz is a Masters champion and knocking on the top-10 doors as he is enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 11 in the world.
Alcaraz is just 18 but Djokovic feels he is already a complete player.
“He’s very solid mentally. Game wise, he’s a very complete player. You know, everyone was expecting him to clinch one of the bigger trophies on clay because that was so far his most successful surface but he did it on the hard court in Miami in a style that is so impressive. You know, I wish him all the best and I think it’s great for our sport that we have another big star,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic and Alcaraz have never played each and their first meeting won’t be happening this week in Monte Carlo.
Alcaraz expressed his hope that he and Djokovic would make it to the quarterfinal and clash for the first time but the Serb then suffered a shock second round loss.