"Someone who stood out": Novak Djokovic names player who is going to be 'leader of the sport' in future

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic believes that Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is one player who has the ability to become the leader of the sport in the future. The 21-year-old is often regarded as one of the best players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category, along with the likes of Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz has had a difficult last few months, where he had a disappointing outing at the US Open, the ATP Finals, and, more recently, the Australian Open. In the first Grand Slam of the year, the young Spaniard lost to the former world number one Djokovic, who came out on top with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic, who is regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles, has been recently quoted in a report where he named Alcaraz as an ideal player to become the new leader.

“We have Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner who are developing some new rivalry,” he said. “Nadal, Federer and I, as well as [Andy] Murray, whom I have to include, have really dominated men’s tennis in the last 15 to 20 years and we have raised the standard and criteria quite high. Not only in terms of results, but also with all other aspects and expectations that a champion and world No. 1 should carry, how he should represent him, how he should play the role of ambassador of the sport, leader of the sport. When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who stood out. Not only with his games, outstanding achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair player and kind to everyone. And when he loses, he loses with a smile, which is really impressive for such a young man who doesn't have a lot of experience, but acts like he's been on the tour for 10 years or more.”