“35 is the new 25”. Remember when Novak Djokovic hilariously remarked that age is just a number at the Australian Open in 2023? Djokovic’s fiercest rivals and counterparts from the Big 3 – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – called time on their illustrious careers following physical restraints due to ageing. The ‘Serbinator’, however, has managed to maintain a healthy form that helped him complete a Golden Slam just last year after winning the elusive gold medal match against Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics. But Carlos Alcaraz hopes that he can still be himself when he reaches that bridge. How?
In a conversation with BB Tennis in Doha, Alcaraz was asked “if he sees himself still playing at the age of Djokovic (37) and Čilic (36).” To which he gave a very balanced response: “Hopefully, I can endure like them, continue to perform at a high level at 37, 38 years old. But right now, I’m thinking about the next five years and, gradually, trying to take care of myself physically and tennis-wise to be able to endure like them.”
Well, Djokovic’s path to glory has met with resistance, though. The Serb was sidelined from completion after sustaining a right leg injury in Melbourne just last month. These physical concerns came nearly six months after he underwent surgery for a medial meniscus of his right knee. A stellar two-decade-long career, relatively injury-free, is now turning the corner on Djokovic but, preventive measures will only help him thrive.
For those unaware, Cilic was forced to skip the Australian Open after suffering from a minor setback – leading to a knee injury – during preseason training. The Croatian sensation returned to the tour this month and is currently clashing against Aussie Alexei Popyrin for a place in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
As for Alcaraz’s hopes to attain Djokovic’s perseverance, an American former pro issued a damning verdict on his chances to level the standards of the Big 3.
American pros claim Carlos Alcaraz lacks the “conviction” to level Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal
During a recent conversation on the latest episode of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, former star players Sam Querry and Steve Johnson highlighted the most troubling bit about Carlos Alcaraz’s game. The duo rejected claims that the Spanish sensation has what it takes to reach the level of the Big Three.
“He doesn’t quite have that standard that Novak Rafa and Roger had where they just don’t have bad losses. Alcaraz still seems to throw some ups and downs in there,” Querrey said. His countryman Johnson later added – “We just haven’t seen with conviction from Alcaraz over the last couple of years. I believe that his top-end tennis is better than anyone when he is playing his best but his mid-range every day can fluctuate from time to time.”
To recap, Alcaraz’s form dipped significantly last year, starting with his Paris setback. He faced consecutive losses and showed his frustration by destroying his racket against Gael Monfils in Cincinnati. And, of course, his US Open loss to Van de Zandschulp is still fresh in our minds.
Regardless, Alcaraz is one of the most promising talents on the tour. Despite exiting the Qatar Open in the quarterfinals on February 20, the Spaniard will look to come back stronger and defend his title at the French Open next.
