"Nadal is no longer number one, it's Alcaraz" - Djokovic on his son's favourite tennis player

Novak Djokovic says Rafael Nadal is no longer his son's favourite tennis player, and another Spaniard has taken his place.

Carlos Alcaraz has taken the tennis world by storm this year and is widely tipped as the successor to Nadal. Last week the 18-year-old became the youngest player since Nadal to break into the men's top ten, and Nadal himself has been full of praise for his protege too. World number one Novak Djokovic is yet to face Alcaraz but trained with him for the first time ahead of this year's Madrid Open. And speaking of him, he said:

"Carlos (Alcaraz) is a great person, I really like him, I have so much respect for him. 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."

He further said:

"In the last month, for my son, Nadal is no longer number one, Alcaraz is his favourite now. He really likes both. He imitates the way they play, Nadal's forehand, and the emotion, it's beautiful."