Novak Djokovic can be challenged by only Carlos Alcaraz with Zverev, Tsitsipas and Sinner no where in contention claims former coach Nikola Pilic

Novak Djokovic's former coach believes that Alcaraz is his only rival.

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2-time Grand Slam title champion Carlos Alcaraz has arguably been the best candidate from the so-called ‘next generation’ to challenge the dominance of Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard has shown that he’s not fazed by the big moments and can bring out his best in high-pressure situations. Carlos Alcaraz played possibly the match of his lifetime in the Wimbledon final where he defeated Djokovic in a marathon 5-setter.

Novak Djokovic’s former coach Nikola Pilić was full of praise for the young Spaniard. Talking to the Serbian news website ‘Kurir’ about Alcaraz, Pilic remarked, “I believe that the Spaniard is the only one who has both the physical and especially the mental potential to deal with Novak. At only 20 years of age, to play with such maturity, it is truly a matter of respect and credit to him.”

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In response to a question on whether Djokovic’s rivalry with Alcaraz is similar to the one with Nadal and Federer, Pilic remarked, “Absolutely! I said even when Alcaraz won Madrid, that he was the only one who could compete with Novak. Regardless of Zverev, Tsitsipas, even Sinner, whom I greatly appreciate.”

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Pilic called out the people who wrote off Djokovic’s chances in the final of the Cincinnati Masters against Alcaraz. The former Croatian tennis player said that Novak has already proven to everyone that he is the best, and only people who know nothing about tennis can write him off before the match.

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Novak Djokovic’s former coach believes that he can continue playing for more than two years

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic during the final of Cincinnati Masters (image via Sky Sports)

23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, 36, has shown no signs of tiring. The Serbian legend has shown exemplary fitness and endurance even at the late stages of his career. In response to a question on how long Djokovic could play at a high-level, Pilic replied, “It’s a difficult question. I think at least two more years, but knowing him and his professionalism and way of eating, as well as the fact that he only plays major tournaments and grand slams, I believe that Novak will be able to do much more.”

The former pro believes that Djokovic greatly values the Grand Slams record and that he will have the opportunity to break it at the US Open. Djokovic won his 95th career title by winning the cup in Cincinnati, only Federer with 103 and Jimmy Connors with 109 are ahead of him on the all-time list.

Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz 5-7,7-6(7),7-6 in the final of the Cincinnati Masters. The final was the longest best of 3 Masters final ever. The match lasted almost 4 hours and ended with one of the best final sets ever played. It was Djokovic’s 39th Masters title, which is the highest ahead of Nadal’s 36.

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