"Rafa said that it is Djokovic at the level of numbers and I also think so": GOAT debate is perception but Djokovic is the best says Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz appears to back up compatriot Rafael Nadal's claim that Novak Djokovic is the best tennis player of all time.

Nadal recently told CNN that his long-time rival was the sport's greatest, saying the statistics in the Serb's favour made it "indisputable". Alcaraz was asked his view on the debate. "Everyone has their own perception of things. For some it is Djokovic the best, for others it is Rafa, for others it is Federer," he told Marca. "Rafa said that it is Djokovic at the level of numbers and I also think so. At the level of numbers, Djokovic is the best in history, there is no doubt about that."

The 23-year-old still showed his appreciation for all of the 'Big Three'. "I think to say who is the best is something that goes beyond the numbers. All three are there and for me all three are the best." Alcaraz had to withdraw from the Rio Open earlier this week after suffering an ankle injury in his opening match. Despite needing to have a scan for it, the Spaniard was keen to reassure his fans it won't keep him sidelined for long.

"I just had an MRI on my ankle after yesterday's injury," he said in an Instagram post. "After the meeting with my doctor Dr. Lopez Martinez and my physiotherapists Juanjo Moreno and Sergio Hernandez the diagnosis is a grade II lateral sprain. I have a sprain that will keep me out for a few days! See you in Las Vegas and Indian Wells."