Novak Djokovic has outlined what Carlos Alcaraz is best at on the court ahead of their Wimbledon final.
The Serbian is preparing to face the Spaniard in the championship match at SW19 for the second successive year.
He was denied an eighth title when Alcaraz, 21, claimed an epic five-set win in 2023, which ended Djokovic’s 10-year winning run on Centre Court in the process.
A year later and the fans will be treated to what is expected to be another classic match between the two players vying for the sport’s most prestigious prize.
Novak Djokovic describes Carlos Alcaraz’s greatest strengths
Over the course of their five contests, Djokovic knows exactly what Alcaraz brings to the table.
Just one of their previous matches ended in straight sets as the pair pushed each other to their absolute limit. Ahead of their second Wimbledon rematch, Djokovic outlined what makes Alcaraz such an elite player.
“I see a lot of similarities between me and him in terms of ability to adapt and adjust to the surface,” the second seed said. “That’s probably his biggest trait is that he’s got skills to play equally well on every surface.
“To adapt to a given opponent on that particularly day. He’s a very all around and complete player. It’s impressive what he’s done at such a young age.
“I said on the court, which I think all of us share the same opinion, that he’s gonna win many slams in his career. I hope he’s gonna give me this one in two days and then let’s see (smiling). After that I’ll cheer for him.”
What is Novak Djokovic’s head to head record against Carlos Alcaraz at Grand Slams?
Of their five career meetings, Alcaraz and Djokovic have played twice at Grand Slams. The first came in the semi-finals of the 2023 French Open, which was significantly impacted when Alcaraz suffered severe cramp.
The pair were locked at a set apiece when he began experiencing discomfort in his legs. Therefore his movement was restricted and he managed to win just two more games as Djokovic claimed a four-set win and went on to win his third title on the Parisian clay.
The players contested the final at the All-England Club just a month later, and played out a pulsating five-set match.
Alcaraz came from behind to clinch a 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win to complete the Queen’s and Wimbledon double at just 20 years of age.
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