Djokovic calls Alcaraz the best in the world: ‘He is an important title candidate at Roland Garros’ | Tennis

Novak Djokovic has named Carlos Alcaraz the best tennis player in the world right now. His rival Rafael Nadal is especially happy that his compatriot Alcaraz is doing so well this year.

“So far he is without a doubt the best player in the world, with the results he has achieved this year,” said Djokovic at the masters tournament in Rome. The number 1 in the world had to recognize his superior in a compelling fight last week in the new global number 6, who also won the masters tournament in Miami in 2022.

,,The way he handled the pressure in our game a few days ago and how calm he stayed until the end was impressive. He deserved to take the title.”

According to Djokovic, Alcaraz is also able to take his first grand slam title at Roland Garros early next month. And that at the age of 19. “Everything about his playing is really impressive. He really is a complete player and he can play equally well offensively and defensively. He is the talk of the town and at Roland Garros he is certainly one of the most important title candidates.”

Carlos Alcaraz. © AFP

Nadal has already found a successor in the sixteen years younger Alcaraz; someone who will undoubtedly bring more success to Spain in the coming years. “I’m happy that someone from my country succeeds in everything he does,” said the 21-time Grand Slam champion, who understands that the tennis world is under the spell of the teenage sensation.

“When you see a new car, it always looks better. And when you see a new phone, it is also more beautiful than the old one. That’s very normal in this life and I can’t complain about that at all.”

Roland Garros starts on Sunday 22 May. This week the masters tournament in Rome will be played and Alcaraz has withdrawn for that.

ttn-43