Carlos Alcaraz accepts Novak Djokovic as the greatest of all time but only in terms of ‘numbers’

After losing the Paris Olympic final, Carlos Alcaraz called Novak Djokovic the GOAT because of his incredible stats.

Carlos Alcaraz accepts Novak Djokovic as the greatest of all time but only in terms of ‘numbers’

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Imago)

Novak Djokovic has now won 24 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic medals, which, according to many, has finally ended the GOAT debate. Even Carlos Alcaraz agreed, but in his eyes, Djokovic is the greatest of all time only in terms of the stats. 

Alcaraz, as expected, fought hard in the final on Sunday (August 4) but Djokovic proved superior, for he wanted the gold medal for Serbia at all costs. It wasn’t smooth sailing for the Serb to become the Olympic champion for the first time as he had to play a pair of tiebreaks to beat the in-form 21-year-old 7-6(3), 7-6(2) on Court Philippe Chatrier to complete his career Golden Slam. 

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In terms of numbers, I can't say otherwise [that Djokovic is the GOAT]. Everything he set himself as a goal, he achieved. But there are many other factors to take into account: I can't say who is the best. All I can say is that, in terms of numbers, it's him.
Carlos Alcaraz told L’Équipe

Alcaraz has now been beaten twice by Djokovic at Roland Garros, as they previously clashed in last year’s French Open semifinal. Djokovic now leads 4-3 in their head-to-head meetings. Before the Paris Olympics final, they met in last month’s Wimbledon summit clash where Djokovic was defeated in straight sets. 

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Carlos Alcaraz explains why Novak Djokovic won the final

Novak Djokovic knew that even a few mistakes against Carlos Alcaraz would put him in trouble. He was against a young opponent who had been breaking some major records and become the cynosure of all eyes.

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic (3)
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic (Images via Imago)

Alcaraz was the favorite against Djokovic who, before clinching his gold, reached his first final this year at Wimbledon. After the defeat, Alcaraz, though he broke down in tears, claimed that he was proud after giving his all during the competition. 

I had a very impressive Djokovic in front of me, a hungry Novak. He didn't let me take my chance. I tried everything. I fought until the last ball. I gave everything I had. Obviously, when you lose like that, you leave the court happy, you leave the court proud. 
Carlos Alcaraz told L’Équipe

It was also the Spaniard’s first defeat in an important final in singles, as he won all the matches in the summit clashes of the major events. Alcaraz also participated in doubles with Rafael Nadal in this Olympics but the pair lost in the quarterfinals to America.

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