The best qualities of Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, in his opinion, are all present in Alcaraz.
During his five-set loss in the Wimbledon final, Novak Djokovic was aware that he was in the midst of greatness.
During the emotional haze of his on-court interview, the 23-time Grand Slam winner was overflowing with adulation for his 20-year-old opponent, but during his post-match press conference, he gave some meaning to his remarks.
The Serb’s answer was concerning for the rest of the pitch when asked who Carlos Alcaraz most reminded him of.
“I believe that throughout the past year or so, people have discussed how his game incorporates characteristics from Roger, Rafa, and myself.
“I’d concur with that. I believe he essentially has the best of all three worlds.
Djokovic continued by praising Alcaraz’s emotional and intellectual development at the young age of 20.
He exhibits remarkable mental fortitude and maturity for a 20-year-old. It’s very amazing.
He possesses the same aggressive, combative, and tremendous defensive qualities that Rafa possessed over the years.
And I believe that he has some beautiful sliding backhands that bear some resemblance to mine. Yeah, defence, adaptability, and two-handed backhands.
“I feel like that has always been my own strength. He also possesses it.
I’ve never played a player like him.
What makes Alcaraz so unique, according to Djokovic
Djokovic’s assessment of Alcaraz as a composite of the three greatest male tennis players in history is sobering for the remainder of the tour.
But the opposite is also true.
The Spaniard has Djokovic’s suppleness, stretching his body into various gymnastic positions to retrieve balls that others were unable to.
Rafael Nadal’s colleague possesses the same firepower and Spanish ferocity as him, overwhelming opponents with the crushing weight of his forehand.
Most impressively, Alcaraz also possesses the balletic toughness of Roger Federer, ending full-throttle rallies with drop shots that are as light as a feather.
To be honest, I’ve never faced a player like him, says Djokovic.
“Roger and Rafa each have clear advantages and disadvantages. Carlos is an extremely well-rounded athlete. Incredible adaptability, which I believe is essential for longevity and a successful career on any surface.
The obvious question now is how the next generation will hope to compete with this absolute phenomenon for a player whose least favourite surface was the grass preceding to this season’s grass-court swing.
Whether they, or even Djokovic, find the solution remains to be seen.
For now, Novak’s incomplete sentence that sums up Alcaraz’s performance may be more powerful than any words could ever be.
“For someone his age to handle the nerves this well, be playing attacking tennis, and to close off the match the way he did…
