Carlos Alcaraz is already making history despite his youth, and promises to leave a lasting legacy on tennis that could one day rival that of the big three.
And whilst anyone outside of that famed generation will struggle to be involved in the GOAT debate, purely because it is impossible to face such competition, the Spaniard has all the tools to finish his career with enough Grand Slam titles to be at least named amongst them.
However, despite his seniority, Novak Djokovic is one man still hanging around seeking to disrupt this new generation of talent.
After all, having thwarted those born in the 1990s already, why not aim for those born in the following decade?
His desperation to return from injury is indicative of his desire to keep challenging.
Carlos Alcaraz left stunned by Novak Djokovic
Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, the 21-year-old, who won Wimbledon last year in a historic final against Djokovic, spoke about the Serbian superstar.
Naturally full of praise, there was one particular thing which the 37-year-old has been doing ahead of the competition this year that has left him truly starstruck.
After all, it is not every day that a player can tear the meniscus in their knee, have surgery on that issue, and come back out on court all in the same month.
He is a freak of nature, and Alcaraz said as much: ‘I’m always going to put him on the list of favourites. I was surprised on the one hand that he is here, but not completely surprised because we all know how he takes care of himself, his diet, his breaks from competition.
‘I already told him the other day that what he does is superhuman. In two and a half weeks he is already playing sets at a very high level. He has already shown that he is recovering very well.’
Carlos Alcaraz will be favourite to defend his Wimbledon crown
Despite Djokovic being the second-most decorated player in Wimbledon history, just one title behind Roger Federer’s eight, it will likely be Alcaraz who remains the favourite for this particular iteration of the event, closely followed by Jannik Sinner.
After all, despite his historical advantages, 2024 has been tough for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, and he is yet to actually win a title this year.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz has just added the French Open to his already extensive trophy cabinet, whilst the Italian has won his first-ever grass-court title in Halle, preparing for Wimbledon.
These are two young superstars seeking to pave their own paths to glory, with the legendary veteran set to face huge scrutiny if he is to make it far enough to face one of them. Novak Djokovic recently explained why he is playing Wimbledon this year, and he seems as hungry as ever to compete.
However, with how well he moves on the grass, and his pedigree at this competition already, it is impossible to look past Alcaraz.
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