The Novak Djokovic-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry has been a revelation of a high-quality duel between two players of disparate ages. The differences between the two players in personality, age and experience have been diluted due to their sheer intensity in overcoming obstacles in the quest for success.
However, statistics tell a different story. Yes, Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, but from a broad perspective, Novak has been the dominant force among the two and a former tennis star opined that there were differences in performance levels that contributed to the Spaniard’s struggles.
Feliciano Lopez points out key difference between Djokovic and Alcaraz
Feliciano Lopez, a former world no. 9 and Wimbledon quarterfinalist, had his take on why Alcaraz was finding it tough to break down Novak Djokovic in recent times. Alcaraz himself has admitted to having Djokovic on his mind during practice sessions and acknowledged the Serb’s superiority on indoor courts.
Lopez said the key differentiator between the two players lay in their mindset at the start of a match. Alcaraz needed to be “fresh and start with a spark and high intensity” at the beginning while Djokovic was ion “a diesel mode” at the same time and constantly increased the level of his game.
“He[Alcaraz] cannot achieve great results in a more diesel mode, like Djokovic, who sometimes starts matches at a slow pace, until he finds his moment and is already invincible,” Lopez told Diaro AS.
“But because he (Djokovic) doesn’t scare him (Alcaraz), he has enough maturity to assimilate it, the courage to face Djokovic, who is the best player, for many, in history, without fear”
Since his 2022 season ended with a US Open title win, Alcaraz has shown increased maturity and quality this year. He has faced Novak Djokovic four times this year alone, triumphing in one and losing the other three. Their most recent meeting saw Djokovic dominate the Spaniard in his journey to secure a title at a major event.
Novak Djokovic won 39th Masters title in epic showdown
Novak Djokovic met Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Open final in August. Their meeting was just a month after Alcaraz had famously defeated the 36-year-old in London, but the hard court in Cincinnati proved to be a different challenge for the 20-year-old.
Lopez’s statements ring true in light of the result of that match. Alcaraz began strong and walloped a few ferocious forehands down the line as he secured the first set in his favour. Then the “diesel mode” of Djokovic began working miracles for the Serb as he increased his pace, intensity and offensive manoeuvres and closed out the final two sets in close tiebreakers.
The final result of 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) stood as a testament to both player’s prowesses and Novak Djokovic secured his 39th Masters title in the epic showdown.
The pair would hug it out after the match concluded and share a laugh later on. This wouldn’t be their last meeting of the year, as Djokovic came out victorious again in the Nitto ATP Finals in November, a more one-sided victory than that epic night in Cincinnati.
“It’s amazing playing against you, share the court with you, learn from you so so close. This match was really close, but I learned a lot from a champion like you. So congratulations to you and your team,” Alcaraz said after that match.
What are your favourite moments from the Carlos Alcaraz-Novak Djokovic rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
