Carlos Alcaraz was full of praise for Novak Djokovic who is still competing at the age of 37.
As the Serbian progresses further into the twilight phase of his career, his level of dominance has diminished somewhat.
He has claimed just one title since 2023, the year Novak Djokovic won seven titles, including three Grand Slam titles and the ATP Finals.
This was the title he craved most, the Olympic gold medal, which he earned by defeating Alcaraz at the 2024 Paris Games.
Carlos Alcaraz predicts if Novak Djokovic will play at the 2028 Olympic Games
Carlos Alcaraz made his Olympic Games debut at the 2024 Games in Paris.
The Spaniard was on an excellent run as he began his hunt for the coveted gold medal following successful title runs at the French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz stormed to the final and looked set to become Olympic champion.
But Djokovic had other ideas as he produced one of the best performances of his career to defeat the 21-year-old 7-6, 7-6 and claimed the one title that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
Alcaraz has called that loss the toughest of his career so far, and Djokovic expressed his desire to play at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, something Alcaraz thinks will happen.
“His body is feeling like he’s 25 years old. It is crazy how he maintains a good level going into the matches,” Alcaraz told reporters at the Italian Open.
“The level is another thing. He can struggle, or he’s been struggling in terms of level. But I think physically he’s in really good shape.
“It depends on him. I’m pretty sure if his goal is to play another Olympic Games, I think he’s able to do it. Of course, I think he takes care of his body, of everything just to be at his hundred percent. If he’s got that, he can do it for sure.
“I would be more than happy to see him spend more years on tour playing, sharing good moments, sharing good tournaments with him. I would be more than happy if that happens.”
Carlos Alcaraz aims for more success on clay
Nine months after his Olympic heartbreak, Alcaraz has won three ATP titles and has climbed back to number two in the world.
He has lost just one match from 15 played on clay so far this season, and he aims to add another victory to that record at the Italian Open, where Alcaraz will challenge Jannik Sinner for the title.
Alcaraz has found more consistency on clay compared to the hard courts so far this season, but he is still looking for ways to improve.
“I always say that you can be better. Obviously I’ve been trying to improve after every day, after every match, after every practice. I think it is an opportunity to be better, to improve,” he added.
“I’m going to say I’m ready for that final. I’m excited to play my first final here in Rome. I have a lot of confidence. I know that I’m feeling great, I’m playing great tennis. I can always be better.
“Hopefully in the final I’m going to approach the match in the right way and play even better. But right now I’m really happy with the level that I’m playing and I have made improvements since the beginning of the tournament.”
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