Novak Djokovic has explained how Carlos Alcaraz is similar to his Spanish compatriot Rafael Nadal.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion became his nation’s most successful tennis player and one of the greatest of all time showcasing his hard work, dedication and intense nature on the court.
The tennis legend has paved the way for the next generation of players which included Alcaraz and many more.
The World number three has adopted some of those qualities Nadal possesses, which Djokovic believes is very clear to see.
Novak Djokovic compares Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal
Alcaraz has taken the tennis world by storm since he made his presence felt in a major way back in 2022.
He defeated Nadal and Djokovic back-to-back on the way to winning that season’s Madrid Open and also captured his first Grand Slam at that year’s US Open.
Two years on, he has captured two more majors and also became the youngest World number one in the game’s history.
His meteoric rise was similar to that of Nadal and Djokovic told the BBC exactly what he finds similar between the two players.
“He brings a lot of intensity and a lot of energy on the court. He reminds me of Nadal in terms of that drive and dedication to the game,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said.
“I think he learned from Federer, Nadal, myself and Andy over the years, it seems like he’s got the best of all the worlds.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal are set to play double sat the Paris Olympics
In what will be a symbolic moment for Spanish tennis, two generations will collide when Nadal and Alcaraz will play doubles together at the Paris Olympics.
The pairing was confirmed in June and the three-time Grand Slam champion will hope to bring glory to his nation alongside Nadal who will play at the prestigious event for the final time.
“It will be a very special tournament, my first Olympics just after winning my first Roland Garros,” he told French outlet L’Équipe.
“Fighting for a gold medal for my country, playing doubles with my idol, Rafael Nadal, are things that I will only believe after experiencing them.”
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