Novak Djokovic Demands Cheeky ‘Agreement’ With Carlos Alcaraz Over Suspicious New Serve
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz met in last year's Australian Open quarterfinals.
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Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Danny, The Tennis Letter)
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but in the high-stakes world of professional tennis, Novak Djokovic thinks it might be grounds for a lawsuit, or at least a very expensive dinner. The 2026 Australian Open has barely begun, and the fans already have their first viral storyline.
It’s not an upset, an injury, or a meltdown. It’s a serving motion. Specifically, Carlos Alcaraz’s new service motion, which looks suspiciously, almost identically, like the one belonging to the 24-time Grand Slam champion himself. Naturally, the Serbian legend didn’t let the moment pass without having a little fun at his rival’s expense.
As soon as I saw it, I sent him a message, and I said you know we have to speak about the copyrights, and then when I saw him here I told him we have to speak about percentage of his winnings. Every ace I expect, you know, a tribute to me. Every ace that he makes here. So let’s see if he’s going to stick to the agreement.
Novak Djokovic said in his Australian Open press conference
It all started during the opening round at Rod Laver Arena. Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old phenom looking to complete his Career Slam, stepped onto the court against Adam Walton. As soon as he tossed the ball for his first service game, tennis heads tilted in unison.
Social media lit up immediately. Side-by-side comparisons of Alcaraz and Djokovic flooded X and Instagram. The mechanics were nearly indistinguishable. Djokovic, who was busy dismantling Pedro Martinez in his own first-round match, caught wind of the comparisons quickly. In his post-match press conference, the 38-year-old was in high spirits and couldn’t resist stirring the pot.
Why Carlos Alcaraz is Channeling Novak Djokovic
There is a strategic brilliance to what Carlos Alcaraz is doing. At just 22, he is already a multiple major winner, but he has openly admitted that his serve is the one area that needs refinement. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t the free-point generator that Novak Djokovic possesses.
By smoothing out his motion, Alcaraz is looking for efficiency and longevity. Djokovic is widely regarded as having one of the most technically sound and effective spot serves in history. If you are going to copy someone, you copy the guy who is still winning majors at age 38.
While Alcaraz insists he wasn’t intentionally trying to become a Djokovic clone, the adaptation highlights just how much the younger generation studies the “Big Three.” It also signals a scary evolution for the rest of the tour: Alcaraz with Djokovic’s efficiency is a terrifying prospect.
What’s Next for Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic?
As the tournament rolls on, all eyes are on the draw. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are on a collision course that could see them meet in a blockbuster final.
Alcaraz will take his “borrowed” serve into the second round against Yannick Hanfmann, looking to dial in the new mechanics under pressure. Meanwhile, Djokovic faces qualifier Francesco Maestrelli, looking to continue his dominance on his favorite court.
However, don’t mistake the banter for weakness. This is the defining rivalry of the 2026 season. Djokovic is in Melbourne chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Alcaraz is there to stop him and claim the only major trophy missing from his cabinet.
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