Carlos Alcaraz has the ‘Spanish bull mentality’ says Novak Djokovic comparing the Wimbledon champ to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Djokovic applauds the Spaniard over his Wimbledon win.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (Credit: The Indian Express)
The 2023 Wimbledon has finally got its winner in men’s singles. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated World No. 2 Novak Djokovic in a thrilling 5-set match. Alcaraz has created history by being one of the few men in the tennis world to defeat the Serbian maestro. He also became the second youngest man to defeat Djokovic, the first being Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic was obviously not happy with his loss as he was aiming for his 24th Grand Slam title and 8th Wimbledon title. But the Serbian maestro couldn’t help himself to laud the 20-year-old Spanish with words of appreciation. During the post-match press conference, when asked about Alcaraz’s strength, Djokovic said that the Spaniard has got traits from the Big 3, that is, Djokovic himself, Nadal, and Roger Federer. He believes that he has got the ‘best of three worlds.’
“He’s got this mental resilience and real maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It’s quite impressive. He’s got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defense that we’ve seen with Rafa over the years,” answered the Serb.
He compared Alcaraz with himself and said that he finds the sliding backhand moves, his resilience, and his ability to adapt in a situation very similar to his skills. Djokovic believes that Alcaraz has borrowed these skills from him. He even went on to say that he has never played with anyone like Alcaraz ever.
“I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own, obviously strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for successful career on all surfaces,” said Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz stopped Novak Djokovic from achieving his 24th Grand Slam
Alcaraz had a sluggish start, conceding in the first set 1-6, then survived a set point in the second set to win 1-6, 7(8)-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted four hours and 42 minutes on Centre Court. Djokovic fought hard in his eighth Wimbledon final and 35th Major final overall, attempting to equal Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and match Margaret Court‘s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic’s displeasure became clear as the match progressed. A wasted opportunity to break for a 2-0 lead in the deciding set, followed by a code penalty for shattering his racket against the net post, added to his annoyance. Alcaraz took advantage of these opportunities, remaining calm and securing a vital break to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Djokovic, who had a great run so far winning the Australian Open and the French Open, still has the US Open left to secure this year for his 24th GS title. But this rock-solid defeat from a 20 years-old guy might have shattered his belief in himself. The Serb needs to be cautious of the Spaniard in the American courts, as he will be facing the defending champion.
In case you missed it:
- Carlos Alcaraz calls King of Spain his ‘lucky charm’ as he defeats Novak Djokovic to win his maiden Wimbledon title
- “How to win Grand Slams by cheating!” – Tennis Twitter ACCUSES Novak Djokovic of ‘foul-play’ following his ‘never ending’ bathroom break after losing the third set against Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon final
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Navya Mishra
(407 Articles Published)