Carlos Alcaraz makes ‘act of brutality’ claim about Novak Djokovic ahead of US Open
Carlos Alcaraz has described Novak Djokovic’s longevity and continued success in the sport as “an act of brutality” ahead of the 2024 US Open.
The Spanish star highlighted the importance of continuing to grow and improve in order to keep winning Grand Slams and pointed out this is “what Djokovic has done during his whole career.”
Alcaraz is seeking his third consecutive Grand Slam title and fifth major overall at the 2024 US Open, where he will begin his campaign against Australian qualifier Li Tu.
The Spaniard can become the first man to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same season since his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal in 2010.
By claiming his second Wimbledon crown last month, Alcaraz became the third-youngest man to win four majors after Mats Wilander and Bjorn Borg.
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The 21-year-old has openly expressed his ambition to break records held by Djokovic, including the Serbian’s staggering tally of 24 Grand Slam crowns.
The world No 3 convincingly beat Djokovic in the 2024 Wimbledon final, before losing to the 37-year-old legend in the Paris Olympics gold medal match at the start of August.
Speaking to the media ahead of the US Open, Alcaraz marvelled at how long Djokovic has remained at the top of the sport and admitted he hopes the Serbian “won’t be able to continue winning more titles.”
“It is an act of brutality being totally honest,” said the Spanish star. “What I can say, I can speak just to myself. I am very happy with my daily work to have the opportunity to win these titles as much as possible.
“I am 21 years-old and I have already won four [Grand Slams] but I am hoping it won’t stop here.
“A lot of people are saying that if I have already four, how many I will be able to win in the future, but it won’t count much if you have won four now and that stops and you won’t evolve.
“My task is to keep growing and improving to win as many as possible because that’s my aim. It is what Djokovic has done during his whole career… he always wanted to keep improving when he played these kinds of tournaments, to give his best version.
“That’s what he has always achieved and that’s why a lot of people admire him. Let’s hope he won’t be able to continue winning more titles. Let’s wait and see but hopefully we will be able to continue with this path.”
Alcaraz is aiming to win his second US Open title, having won his maiden major at Flushing Meadows in 2022.
The 21-year-old is on the same side of the draw as world No 1 Jannik Sinner and the pair could meet in the semi-finals. Alcaraz could then face second seed Djokovic in a potential showdown in the championship match.
