Novak Djokovic ignores Roger Federer advice with ultimate Alcaraz compliment

Beaten Wimbledon finalist Novak Djokovic has looked past Roger Federer’s preference to avoid putting pressure on young players, showering Carlos Alcaraz with the highest of praise after their blockbuster showdown at SW19. In coming through a five-set battle, Alcaraz inflicted Djokovic’s first defeat on Centre Court in over 10 years.

Alcaraz went into the tournament as world No 1, and his confidence on grass was given an almighty boost in the lead-up by winning the title at Queen’s. Wimbledon hero Federer was still seemingly taken aback by comments made by the youngster’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who branded him a mix of Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and the Swiss.

“[His coach] said that?” asked Federer. “It’s a lot to live up to. I always don’t like to put too much pressure on younger players, especially like, ‘He’s going to do this.’ But he’s the type of player who says, ‘Well, I’m coming to Wimbledon, I’m coming to win. I’m coming to Paris, I’m coming to win’.”

Speaking in his post-match press conference after coming out second best against Alcaraz, Djokovic was evidently not so concerned about piling the pressure on the 20-year-old, who has proven his ability to mix it with the sport’s biggest names.

“I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself,” said the Serb. “I would agree with that. I think he’s got basically best of all three worlds.

“He’s got this mental resilience and real maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It’s quite impressive. He’s got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defence that we’ve seen with Rafa over the years.

Djokovic’s comments, which at the very least suggest that Alcaraz is a more complete player than Nadal and Federer, are certain to cause a splash among tennis fans, who hope that Sunday’s victor can fill the superstar void left by the ‘Big Three’ in years to come.

The youngster sealed his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, having won the US Open last year, but he is still a staggering 21 major wins behind Djokovic at the top of the men’s all-time charts.