Novak Djokovic gives his honest opinion on Joao Fonseca as he compares him to four-time Grand Slam winner

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Novak Djokovic gave high praise to Joao Fonseca as he compared him to Carlos Alcaraz.

The Serbian is preparing to compete at the Indian Wells Masters for the 16th time in his illustrious career.

The 37-year-old has lifted the title on five occasions and he is aiming to win the championship for a record sixth time.

His rival and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will be challenging for the title, as well as one of the ATP Tour’s brightest young players.

Novak Djokovic praises Joao Fonseca and compares him to Carlos Alcaraz

As Novak Djokovic continues into the twilight phase of his career, young players are aiming to make a name for themselves.

At the age of just 19, Alcaraz stepped up and won his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open, and also became the youngest World number one in ATP history.

Now Alcaraz is solidified as one of the world’s best, 18-year-old Joao Fonseca is trying to do the same and already has a title to his name.

As he watches the Brazilian’s career unfold, Djokovic praised him and made a comparison to Alcaraz, who is now a four-time Grand Slam champion.

“I don’t know him personally so well, but from what I have seen on the court, not only the way he plays but the way he behaves, and people around him, seems like there is a very good level of balance and professionalism and devotion,” Djokovic told reporters at Indian Wells.

This is like what we have seen for the last couple years with Alcaraz. He has the potential to be really a superstar of this game. No doubt about it.”

Who is Novak Djokovic’s first opponent at Indian Wells?

Djokovic will commence his 2025 Indian Wells Masters campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp.

The Dutchman set up what will be his second meeting against the 24-time Grand Slam champion after beating Nick Kyrgios in the previous round.

Van de Zandschulp was leading 7-6(7), 3-0 when Kyrgios retired from the match after experiencing pain in his wrist.

Djokovic will now face the World number 85 for the first time since the 2022 Astana Open, which he won 6-3 6-1 on the way to winning the title.