Novak Djokovic has admitted his son’s favourite tennis player is now Carlos Alcaraz instead of long-term rival Rafael Nadal. The teenage sensation’s meteoric rise in the past year has seen him win titles in Miami and Barcelona and he now sits inside the men’s top 10.
He possesses an exciting game which has clearly caught the eye of young Stefan, according to his father Djokovic. "In the last month, for my son, Nadal is no longer number one, Alcaraz is his favourite now,” the world number one said.
The seven-year-old still has love and admiration for the 21-time grand slam champion though, as he said: “He really likes both. He imitates the way they play, Nadal's forehand, and the emotion, it's beautiful." Djokovic and Alcaraz played a practice match in Madrid earlier today and wowed the crowd in attendance with their supreme athleticism and elite shot-making.
"Carlos (Alcaraz) is a great person, I really like him, I have so much respect for him," Djokovic said. When asked what he thought of their session, the Serbian replied: "Today was the first time I have practised with him, even though I've seen him on the tour for the past year and his journey has been incredible.
"What he has done for the sport is great, not just for Spain, but it's great to have someone so young doing so well. He's a big star already. He's got the whole package.” Nadal’s campaign is set to commence on Tuesday with a potential blockbuster quarter-final with compatriot Alcaraz on the cards, as well as a semi-final showdown with great rival Djokovic.
The two legends of the game have contested some of the sport’s greatest ever matches and have played each other an incredible 58 times since 2006. As both players are set to compete in the same tournament for the first time this year, the 34-year-old is relishing the chance to play Nadal again.
"These matches ask a lot of you, mentally, physically," he added. "I've had some amazing battles with Rafa here in Madrid and around the world. It's always special. Nadal and I have shared many years in the sport together, we are conscious of our roles in the sport, they are important, to inspire the younger players."
Nadal will begin his quest to win a record-extending sixth Madrid Open title against either Miomir Kecmanovic or Alexander Bublik, while Djokovic, still seeking his first title of the year, will face a tricky test against Gael Monfils first up.
