Novak Djokovic predicts Carlos Alcaraz will ‘carry our sport’ for next decade after defeat to Spaniard

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has predicted that 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz will “carry our sport” for the next decade.

Alcaraz, currently ranked second in the world, beat Djokovic 4-6 6-4 6-4 in an exhibition match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday ahead of the new season.

After the friendly contest, Djokovic had some kind words for Alcaraz who he has battled with for the top-rank status throughout 2023.

“It’s fantastic to have Alcaraz in our sport,” Djokovic said after the pairs’ latest battle.

“He is one of the leaders of this sport today and he is going to carry our sport for the next 10 to 15 years.

“We are going to see a lot of him, tennis is in good hands.”

Alcaraz also had some kind words for his biggest rival, revealing that he idolised the 36-year-old growing up.

“It’s incredible to share the court with him in this event and in official tournaments,” he said. “I am learning from him.

“After watching him win the big tournaments I always dreamed about being in this position and playing against him face to face.

“I am really happy to play with him and hopefully, I can keep going. He seems like he is 20 so we are going to share the court more than once.

“I want to congratulate him and thank him for playing this match with me.”

Djokovic was far from his best in Saudi Arabia as Alcaraz edged the pre-season tie, but the Spaniard will be hoping to take some momentum from the victory into the Australia Open which gets underway in a fortnight.

Alcaraz and Djokovic are the two top-ranked players which means they could meet in the final of the tournament, where the Serbian will be chasing his 11th title in Melbourne and 25th Grand Slam overall.

One other player that will feature at the season-opening Grand Slam is Rafael Nadal, who is set to make his long-awaited return from injury.

“It is great news for the tennis world that he’s coming back,” Djokovic said on Nadal’s return. “He hasn’t played an entire year but he is one of the legends of our sport.

“We want to see him play as much as possible.

“[I] hope both Carlos and me can have great matches against Rafa. It would be great for us and the sport.

“Tennis has grown so much over the last 20 years with the likes of [Roger] Federer, Nadal and Andy Murray. Everyone who has achieved great things in this sport globally.

“I think in the last two decades it has grown so much and I’m so grateful to be part of this era. Hopefully, I can still keep going with the young guys.

“They make me very tired but I don’t give up.”