Novak Djokovic has hailed Carlos Alcaraz as a tennis legend at the tender age of 22, after the Spanish prodigy achieved the unthinkable feat of completing the career grand slam by defeating him in the Australian Open final.
Djokovic's words carry weight, given his own storied career and reputation as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Serbian world number one had entered the tournament seeking to add another grand slam title to his collection, but Alcaraz's mature display on court proved too much for him.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has become the youngest man in the open era to win seven grand slam titles, displayed a level of composure and skill that belied his age. The match was a historic one on both sides, with Djokovic attempting to break his own record as the oldest grand slam champion.
Djokovic's praise for Alcaraz is well-deserved, given the Spaniard's rapid rise to prominence in recent years. Speaking after the final, Djokovic acknowledged that Alcaraz was "already a legendary tennis player" and praised him for his "good values" and "nice family".
For his part, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on his own game. He has been open about his coaching decision to split with Juan Carlos Ferrero and install Samuel López as his new coach, which generated significant speculation and criticism during the off-season.
Alcaraz says he is glad to have silenced his doubters with his performance in Melbourne. "I didn't think about those people who had doubts," he said. "I just played for myself and my team. I focused on my game style and being passionate – that's all I thought about during the tournament."
With a reputation as one of the most dominant players of their generation, Alcaraz is set to become an even bigger star in the tennis world. He has already begun planning his next move, including getting a new tattoo - this time on one of his legs - to commemorate his latest grand slam title.
Djokovic's words carry weight, given his own storied career and reputation as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Serbian world number one had entered the tournament seeking to add another grand slam title to his collection, but Alcaraz's mature display on court proved too much for him.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has become the youngest man in the open era to win seven grand slam titles, displayed a level of composure and skill that belied his age. The match was a historic one on both sides, with Djokovic attempting to break his own record as the oldest grand slam champion.
Djokovic's praise for Alcaraz is well-deserved, given the Spaniard's rapid rise to prominence in recent years. Speaking after the final, Djokovic acknowledged that Alcaraz was "already a legendary tennis player" and praised him for his "good values" and "nice family".
For his part, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on his own game. He has been open about his coaching decision to split with Juan Carlos Ferrero and install Samuel López as his new coach, which generated significant speculation and criticism during the off-season.
Alcaraz says he is glad to have silenced his doubters with his performance in Melbourne. "I didn't think about those people who had doubts," he said. "I just played for myself and my team. I focused on my game style and being passionate – that's all I thought about during the tournament."
With a reputation as one of the most dominant players of their generation, Alcaraz is set to become an even bigger star in the tennis world. He has already begun planning his next move, including getting a new tattoo - this time on one of his legs - to commemorate his latest grand slam title.
it was a tiny little heart on its nose and it's literally the cutest thing ever 
anyway back to tennis... have you guys seen those crazy sports cars they use for sponsorships now? they're like, whoa 
i mean i love car design and all but some of these things are just too much 
. But for real, this kid is on fire! Seven grand slams by the age of 22? That's crazy talk! And Djokovic giving him props? That's like saying 'you're a legend' to someone who's not even old enough to buy a beer yet 
. I'm loving this kid's confidence and humility, he's got it right – just focus on his game and shut the haters down 
. And now, a new tattoo? That's just cool, dude!
so i'm thinking djokovic's gotta be hyping alcaraz 'cause he's literally at the top of his game right now 
but on the flip side, it's crazy how quickly these young tennis pros can turn heads and become legends 
OMG, can u believe it?! Carlos Alcaraz is officially a legend 
! I mean, the dude was only 22 and already achieved a career grand slam 
! Novak Djokovic giving him props in front of the whole tennis world is the icing on the cake 
. And honestly, I'm low-key worried for any player who has to step up against Alcaraz now 
... he's just too clutch and dominant right now 
. Here's to many more grand slams from this Spanish superstar 
!
. This kid's got the goods, no question mark - he's the future of tennis and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
#TennisLegend #AlcarazForTheWin #GrandSlamChamp