The Serbian snatched the first place in the ranking from the young Spaniard, but he also emphasized his level and ensured that he plays well on all surfaces.
The number one in world tennis, Novak Djokovicthe young Spaniard declared this Wednesday in Belgrade Carlos Alcaraz “brings a lot of fresh air” to professional tennis and performs well on all surfaces.
“Alcaraz really deserved to be number one last year. He brings a lot of fresh air to professional tennis.”Djokovic told the press after practice. “I think he is the youngest number one in history. I can only say the best things about him as a personality and as a tennis player. He is very explosive, dynamic, a tennis player without many disadvantages, he can play at a high level on all floors. And it continues to evolve.”indicated.
Djokovic, 35, said he was “happy” to reach the record, until now held by Steffi Graf, who spent 377 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings, which she will surpass next week. “This sport is everything to me, I put everything into it”declared the Serb.
He indicated that at his age he had to “to make more effort, mentally, physically and emotionally, on the pitch and off it, to keep up with young players, challenging, eager to win trophies and be in the best positions in the world”.
Djokovic explained that he is almost fully recovered from the injury he sustained at the Australian Open in January, which is why he decided to travel to the Dubai tournament, which will be held from February 27 to March 4.
On the other hand, he made sure that his great desire was play his 60th match against Rafael Nadal “in the Roland Garros final”. “I think we’ll both get along”he indicated, noting that the Spaniard was his “biggest rival, not just by the number of duels”, noting that it was the rivalry with the most number of matches in the history of tennis. “He was, along with Roger Federer, the player who had the most influence on me, in my formation as the player I am today.”Djokovic declared.
He explained that at the time of his rise to the ATP, between 2008 and 2011, when he still lost more duels against Nadal and Federer, they were his focus “like an enigma to solve and start winning big tournaments.”
“Nadal is still playing extraordinary tennis. When he’s healthy and ready he’s at the top. He and I as ‘grandparents’ are still being prevented by youngsters from grabbing Grand Slam titles”Djokovic finished with a laugh.
Source: Tycsports
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