Carlos Alcaraz Responds to Novak Djokovic Serve Copying Allegations at the Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic met each other in last year's Australian Open quarterfinal.
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Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K)
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The Australian Open sparked a fiery off-court exchange this year. Novak Djokovic cheekily called out Carlos Alcaraz via text for copying his iconic serve motion. It highlights the fun rivalry brewing between tennis’s old master and rising star.
When pressed about the accusations in his post-match press conference, Carlos Alcaraz couldn’t help but laugh. He didn’t deny the similarities, but he was quick to clarify that this wasn’t a copy-paste job. It was about evolution. Alcaraz said in the Australian Open press conference:
I have the contract there in my bag, I have to give it to him (laughs). We joked about it . He sent me a message and when I saw it, I thought it was funny. Being here, I watched both serves, comparing them, and it’s true that they look very similar, I can’t deny it. For me, Djokovic serves very well, and his technique is very simple and I’ve always liked it. That doesn’t mean I copied him, I didn’t do it by studying him, I simply ended up doing it this way by making some changes.
Djokovic is one of the three players that Alcaraz is considered to take the tennis torch from. At the Australian Open so far, his name has been mentioned alongside the Big 3. First, Roger Federer said that his style aligns with the Spaniard. During Alcaraz’s second-round match, a fan shouted at him with the words ‘Carlos Nadal’. Now, these Djokovic serve comparisons are also putting the limelight on him.
The “Copyright” claim heard around Melbourne
Fans and Djokovic quickly spotted the shift in Carlos Alcaraz’s first round win. The world No. 1 dialed back raw power for a smoother rhythm, echoing the 24-time Grand Slam king. Subtle tweaks hint at clear inspiration.
Djokovic spotted the mimicry and messaged Alcaraz with mock outrage over “copyright” on his serve. True to form, he quipped about deserving tribute or a slice of the prize money if it clinched the title. Classic Nole banter fuels the generational spark.
It was a refreshing bit of banter in a sport that can sometimes take itself too seriously. But it also proved that Djokovic is watching the young gun’s development like a hawk.
What’s next for Carlos Alcaraz at the AO?
The “Serve Gate” narrative has added a fun layer of intrigue to the tournament, but the real test is still to come. Carlos Alcaraz continues his campaign with heightened scrutiny on every toss and swing. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic remains a looming threat in the draw.
Tennis fans crave an on court clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz to cap the 2026 Australian Open. A serve “copyright” final would deliver poetic drama. Alcaraz may mute notifications after big serves to dodge more playful jabs.
The duo met in the Australian Open quarterfinals last year, with the Serb winning in four sets despite having a leg injury. Despite getting through the match with painkillers, the Serb couldn’t resist the injury in the semifinals and withdrew after the first set against Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz, though, did get his revenge over the Serb in the US Open semifinals, winning in straight sets. This led to a US Open final clash with Jannik Sinner, where he won his sixth Grand Slam title.
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