Novak Djokovic believes Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz possesses the “best of all three worlds”, cloning the abilities 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 ultimate on Sunday after 4 hours and 42 minutes of breathless motion on Centre Court.
The outcome shattered 36-year-old Djokovic’s bid to say a record-equalling eighth title on the All England Club and twenty fourth Grand Slam crown.
Asked 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 think he’s got basically best of all three worlds,” stated Djokovic.
“People have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that.”
Hailing Alcaraz for his “Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness”, Djokovic sees similarities within the famend combating spirit and “incredible defence” of Nadal.
Alcaraz’s backhands are straight out of the Djokovic playbook.
“That’s been my personal strength for many years,” he stated.
“I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own obviously strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player.
“Amazing adapting capabilities that I feel are a key for longevity and for profitable profession on all surfaces.
In the fast aftermath of his loss on Sunday, Djokovic was filled with reward for Alcaraz.
Just 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 going through his rival.
However, Alcaraz has now overwhelmed Djokovic twice of their three conferences, having first received the higher of him on clay on the Madrid Masters final 12 months.
“What a quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out,” Djokovic instructed the champion through the Centre Court trophy ceremony.
“You can up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it.
“It’s a tricky one to swallow if you find yourself so shut.”
Despite his defeat on Centre Court in 10 years, Djokovic, who had won the previous four Wimbledon titles, insisted he still has the desire to keep on chasing silverware at the majors.
“I’ve been blessed with so many unimaginable matches all through my profession. I’m actually grateful. I misplaced to a greater participant and I’ve to maneuver on stronger,” he said after seeing his 34-match win streak at the tournament ended.
He hailed Alcaraz, who now has two Grand Slam titles following his US Open breakthrough last year, and two titles on grass in just four tournaments on the surface.
“I assumed I’d have hassle with you solely on clay and exhausting courtroom, however not on grass however now it is a totally different story from this 12 months clearly,” said the Serb, who briefly broke down in tears as he addressed the crowd.
“I suppose when all of the feelings are settled I’ll need to be very grateful. I gained many tight and shut matches previously right here, to call a couple of — 2019 in opposition to Roger.
“Maybe I should have lost a few finals that I won so maybe this is even stevens.”
The outcome 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 certainly found your feet on grass this summer, an astonishing achievement against one of the greatest champions ever,” the Australian tweeted.
“Novak Djokovic. I’m sure there will be many more magnificent battles between you two.”