Novak Djokovic's glowing Carlos Alcaraz character reference speaks volumes ahead of Wimbledon final showdown

Novak Djokovic prevailed 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 over Lorenzo Musetti and has powered into yet another Wimbledon final where again he will take on Carlos Alcaraz in a battle which has become must watch in tennis and on a Sunday of sport which also features the Euro 2024 final, it will be an utter thriller for sports fans.

But Djokovic who is as gracious as ever and is full of praise for Alcaraz, he took time out to laud one of the most complete 21-year-olds that the sport has ever seen. While he joked that he will play for 15 more years and he won't win in two days, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is full of praise for him as a person and an athlete.

"He's a great example of someone who as a young player has a well balanced life on and off the court. Great team of people, great values in his family, a lot of charisma, carries himself very well on and off the court with a smile and that's why people like him," said Djokovic.

"He's deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we've ever seen in this sport. We're going to see a lot of him for sure in the future - no doubt. He's going to win many more Grand Slams."

"Hopefully in two days maybe not this one! But in future, when I retire in about 15 years! I'm joking, I'm joking," he smiled.

"Jokes aside he already beat me here in the Wimbledon final last year in a thrilling five-setter. I don't expect anything less than that. Honestly a huge battle on the court. He's as complete a player as they come. It's going to take the best of my abilities on the court overall to beat him on Sunday."

But also as he heads towards potentially title eight at Wimbledon, it is a childhood dream realised and one that he doesn't take for granted as now his kids join him.

“Wimbledon has always been a childhood dream for me. To play and to win it. I’ve said this story many times. I think it’s worth repeating. I was a 7 year old boy in Serbia watching the bombs fly over my head. Constructing a Wimbledon trophy out of any material I had in the room. Watching myself in a mirror.. Telling myself I’d be a Wimbledon champion one day. The visualization part was really strong. But obviously it wasn’t enough to make it. I had tremendous support from my family members.

"My wife has been with me for many many years. Now my children. It’s been an incredible journey. I try not to take it for granted. Every time I find myself on this unique court I try to enjoy it. During the match it’s business time.. trying to outplay your opponent and do your work. I’m very satisfied and pleased to be in another final. I don’t wanna stop here. Hopefully I’ll get my hands on that trophy on Sunday.”

Especially given that Djokovic nearly didn't play at all after having a meniscus tear weeks before which reports flooded saying he would be out of Wimbledon. But he marvelled everyone whilst also doing a usual Djokovic by turning up at Aorangi Park then playing the next week.

"There was plenty of doubts. Coming into London 8 days before the tournament started. I didn’t know if I’d be part of the tournament or not. I was keeping everything open til the day of the draw. I played a few practice sets with top players and exhibition matches which proved to me I’m in a good enough state to go deep. I said before the tournament if I felt like I didn’t have a chance to go deep in the tournament I probably wouldn’t be playing. That kind of mentality is ever present. I’m just very pleased and thankful to all the team members for helping me arrive to where I am.”