Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed a phenomenal season in 2023. They finished the year as the World No. 1 and 2 respectively. Ahead of their match in Riyadh, Novak had words of praise for the rising star.
Tennis fans are up for an exhilarating matchup as the World’s best tennis players Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to face each other in the Riyadh Tennis Cup today (27th December 2023) in Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena. The rivals battled it out 5 times during the 2023 season and produced some of the best matches on-court.
The Serbian commented on his rival’s performances in 2023 and embraced their budding rivalry. He praised the Spaniard’s talent and leadership qualities in the pre-match media. Earlier this season, Novak had named Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Runecan, who have a career that goes up to 40 as the future of tennis.
“It’s good that there’s a great new rivalry in tennis. He’s going to lead for the next 10 or 15 years”.
Further the World No. 1 also highlighted the coming-of-age for this new generation of tennis stars and that the older generation led by him, Nadal and Federer are fading away.
“Rafa didn’t play in 2023, Federer retired… Our generation is coming to an end, but the emergence of Alcaraz is great”
🇷🇸🇪🇸 Novak Djokovic speaking about Carlos Alcaraz today:
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) December 26, 2023
“He will be one of the great leaders of this sport for the next 10-15 years and, definitely, we will continue to see many things from him (Alcaraz) in the biggest tournaments.
Nadal didn't play in 2023, Federer retired.… pic.twitter.com/UGaG47SPyu
Both Alcaraz and Novak have big expectations from the coming season. While Alcaraz will look to assert his dominance and announce the start of a new Chapter, Novak will try to break even more records and win the elusive Olympic Gold medal.
“I can have a career that goes up to 40”, Novak Djokovic talks about prolonging his career
While many legends of the game are slowly fading away with injuries and retirement, there’s one who refuses to back down. That one guy is none other than Novak Djokovic.
Before his exhibition match with Carlos Alcaraz, the Serbian attended the pre-match media and answered on many hot topics. One of those subjects was the playing career of Novak and how long he thinks he will sustain at the top. Novak answered the question by drawing inspiration from a famous NFL player Tom Brady and his career.
“I know [Tom Brady] personally as well, and I learnt from him, from his example, and, hopefully, I can have a career that goes up to 40 and maybe even beyond, let’s see.”
He credited his longevity to his physical and mental fitness. Dropping the speculations of any retirement, he said that he would keep on competing as long as he could still play great tennis.
“I feel great in my own body right now, and I have been playing some really high quality tennis. 2023 was one of my best seasons I’ve had in my life, and why stop while you’re still playing great. So I’ll keep going and take it one by one and see how far I go.”
