Novak Djokovic says Carlos Alcaraz is going to be challenging at the top for years to come ahead of a potential quarter-final clash at the Australian Open. (More Tennis News)
Both Djokovic and Alcaraz won their openers at Melbourne Park on Monday, leaving the possibility of a final-eight clash on the cards in the 🅘second week.
While Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record 25th grand slam title, had to come from behind to beat Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round, Alcaraz cruised through against Alexander ꦫShevchenko in straight sets.
All seven of the pair's previous meetings have come at the semi-final stage or later. Last year, 🌸Alcaraz triumphed in the Wimbledon final, before Djokovic avenged that defeat at the Paris Olympics to win his first gold medal.
Asked at his post-match press conference what it is like𝕴 facing Alcaraz ahead of that p💎otential meeting, Djokovic also noted the similarities between the 21-year-old and his old rival Rafael Nadal.
&q🅠u💟ot;It's quite far to talk about a potential matchup against him in quarters," Djokovic said.
"But just overall, you know, he brings so✨ much energy a﷽nd intensity on the court. From that perspective, reminds me a lot of Rafa [Nadal]. Just such a complete player.
"He can hurt you from anywhere on any court on any surface. He has shown that. His versatility is amazing. That he was able at such a young age to reach that level of tennis, and I think mental maturity on the court, which is impressive. Makes him o🀅ne of the best players in the world the last three, four y🙈ears, without a doubt.
"He's winning slams every year now consecutively for a few years in a row. I'm sure that he's not going to stop here. We're going to see Carlos for many years to ꧅follow."
Djokovic 🎀will face Jaime Faria in the second round, with Alcaraz, who has won each of the other three grand slams𝓀 but never gone past the quarter-finals in Melbourne, coming up against Yoshihito Nishioka.
