world number one novaki Djokovic Lots of praise for the recently crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos AlcarazuSaying Spanish is a Firm Favorite for Teenagers French Open later this month.
Alcaraz announced himself in Madrid when he played with ankle pain but still sent three top five players – Rafas NadalDjokovic and Alexander Zverev On his way to his second Masters title, just days after his 19th birthday.
Djokovic described Alcaraz as an “absolute player” and “the talk of the game” after the Spaniard won a tour-leading fourth title of the year.
“He’s definitely special. Already he’s breaking a lot of records as a teenager, winning two masters events this year, some (ATP) 500s. By far he’s the best player in the world, any question No, this year,” Djokovic told reporters in Rome.
“The way he was dealing with the pressure. I mean, in our match a few days ago, how calm he was…was impressive. He deserved to win the trophy.
“(Feather) Roland GarrosHe is certainly one of the main favourites, no doubt, even though he has never reached the second week of a Grand Slam. With everything he has achieved recently, he deserves to be one of the favourites.”
Alcaraz felt like the passing of the torch as he beat compatriot Nadal for the first time in his career in the quarter-finals in Madrid, and the 21-time Grand Slam champion said he is happy that Spain has a bright future in tennis.
“Everybody knows how much confidence he has right now, what level he can reach. (I’m) happy for him, happy because our country has an amazing player for many years to come,” Nadal said.
“Winning at home is always special. (It) might have been a very special week for him.”
Alcaraz said he is leaving the Rome Masters to repair his ankle injury to ensure he is fully fit for the French Open, starting May 22.
Alcaraz announced himself in Madrid when he played with ankle pain but still sent three top five players – Rafas NadalDjokovic and Alexander Zverev On his way to his second Masters title, just days after his 19th birthday.
Djokovic described Alcaraz as an “absolute player” and “the talk of the game” after the Spaniard won a tour-leading fourth title of the year.
“He’s definitely special. Already he’s breaking a lot of records as a teenager, winning two masters events this year, some (ATP) 500s. By far he’s the best player in the world, any question No, this year,” Djokovic told reporters in Rome.
“The way he was dealing with the pressure. I mean, in our match a few days ago, how calm he was…was impressive. He deserved to win the trophy.
“(Feather) Roland GarrosHe is certainly one of the main favourites, no doubt, even though he has never reached the second week of a Grand Slam. With everything he has achieved recently, he deserves to be one of the favourites.”
Alcaraz felt like the passing of the torch as he beat compatriot Nadal for the first time in his career in the quarter-finals in Madrid, and the 21-time Grand Slam champion said he is happy that Spain has a bright future in tennis.
“Everybody knows how much confidence he has right now, what level he can reach. (I’m) happy for him, happy because our country has an amazing player for many years to come,” Nadal said.
“Winning at home is always special. (It) might have been a very special week for him.”
Alcaraz said he is leaving the Rome Masters to repair his ankle injury to ensure he is fully fit for the French Open, starting May 22.