‘There will be no change of era while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are playing’ – Carlos Alcaraz
Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has declared that there will not be a “change of era” in tennis while legendary duo Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still competing.
The world No 1 asserted that his victory over Djokovic in the Wimbledon title match was for him and his team, “not to start an era.”
Alcaraz overcame the 23-time Grand Slam champion in an epic five-set Wimbledon final on Sunday to claim his second major title – adding to his 2022 US Open triumph.
The 20-year-old became the first player to defeat the Serb in a completed match at the All England Club since Sam Querrey in 2016.
The Spaniard is also just the third player outside of the ‘Big Four’ to down Djokovic in a Grand Slam final, following Stan Wawrinka and Daniil Medvedev.
Alcaraz does not believe, though, that his remarkable triumph marks the beginning of a new era in the men’s game.
“I do not think so, I do not think so because while they are playing and are active – Rafa and Djokovic – [there] will not be a change of era,” said the world No 1 in an interview with Marca.
“In a few years, when they retire and no longer play, the debate may arise again. Now is not the time. I have won for me and for my team, not to start an era.”
The Murcian was asked about his difficult start in the final which saw him trail 0-5 in the opening set and if this impacted his belief that he could prevail.
“No, I had faith because it is a Grand Slam and there was a long match and it was going to be long. I knew I was going to have my chances and I did think that after the first set, I had to raise the level,” explained Alcaraz.
“It’s also true that if I had lost the second set, I wouldn’t be here right now. But I believed in myself at all times. If I lost I would have been just as proud of myself because I had a legend in front of me.”
Alcaraz also responded to Djokovic saying he had not played against anyone like the Spaniard in his career following the final.
“It’s amazing, crazy, that he says that he has played against tennis legends and has played epic matches with Nadal, [Roger] Federer and other players. That he says that he had not faced someone like me is a great compliment and that obviously makes me want to keep working and keep improving,” added the 20-year-old.
