Novak Djokovic says matchup against younger players like Carlos Alcaraz ‘awakens the beast in him’

Novak Djokovic has admitted to finding extra motivation when facing the newest generation of players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Novak Djokovic says matchup against younger players like Carlos Alcaraz ‘awakens the beast in him’

Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

Novak Djokovic cemented his position as statistically the best player in history with his unbelievable comeback win against Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics after losing to him without offering much resistance in the Wimbledon final. The Serb now has a positive tally against every player he has faced off against more than five times in his career and some of these players, like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, are closer to his kids’ ages than his.

In a recent interview, he was asked if he finds satisfaction in triumphing over the newest generation of players. Djokovic, humorously, replied in the affirmative and expressed that he becomes a different, more motivated ‘beast’ when he plays against opponents that are nearly half his age.

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I think young guys who are very hungry and very inspired to play their best tennis against me. It's an additional motivation for me. They kind of awaken a beast in me.
Novak Djokovic told CBS News

The 37-year-old is 16 years older than Carlos Alcaraz, who is just 10 years older than Djokovic’s son, Stefan.

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Novak Djokovic reinforces that he is still as competitive as ever

After winning the elusive Olympic gold medal, many suspected that retirement was on the cards for Novak Djokovic. However, the 37-year-old emphasized that he has other plans and will continue to compete for as long as he can.

Novak Djokovic 1
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)
I still feel the drive. You know. I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on tour.
Novak Djokovic said at a US Open press conference

Djokovic had also previously stated that he wishes to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, by when he will be 41 years old. For now, though, he will be focusing on his US Open title defence. He will get his campaign in New York underway with a first-round clash against qualifier Radu Albot.

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