Carlos Alcaraz lauds Novak Djokovic's recovery as 'superhuman', not shocked about quick return from meniscus tear

Carlos Alcaraz will begin his Wimbledon campaign tomorrow when he takes on Mark Lajal at around 13:30 local time in London. As is tradition, he will kick off his title defence by christening Centre Court. But what about his rivals.

Alcaraz spoke in his Media Day and admitted that he wasn't shocked about Novak Djokovic's 'superhuman' recovery from his meniscus tear. The 24-time Grand Slam champion only weeks ago left the court after beating Francisco Cerundolo and had surgery. He was expected to be touch and go even for the Olympic Games, but instead he found his way to Wimbledon early and seems to be ready for a title tilt.

“I will always put him on the list of favourites,” he said. “I was surprised on one hand that he is here, but on the other hand not, because we all know how he takes care of himself, his diet, his rest.

“I told him the other day that what he does is superhuman. In two and a half weeks he is already playing sets at a very high level. He has already shown that he recovers very quickly.”

In terms of his own Wimbledon bid, he will aim to become one of only a few to win Wimbledon back-to-back and also one of only six men to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year. But Alcaraz sees a different picture with a multitude of tournaments awaiting him after the SW19 defence.

“Well, winning Grand Slams is difficult,” Alcaraz cautioned. “Obviously changing from clay to a grass court, totally different surfaces, totally different game of play.

“Let’s say I’m going to try. Obviously, I want to put my name on that short list to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.

“I know that there’s going to be a really difficult and big challenge for me, but I think I’m ready to do it. I’ve done great work these last few weeks just to get ready, just to feel comfortable to play Wimbledon here at 100%.”

"It’s not easy to change surfaces in just a week. I’m 100% sure that I’m going to play the Olympics. For me it is an amazing event, and an amazing tournament.

“It’s going to be my first one, so I really wanted to live that experience to be in Olympic Games. I’m going to go there and give my 100% for my country. Then, of course, it is a really short period that we have when the Olympic Games is finished until Toronto and Montreal.”