Novak Djokovic on Carlos Alcaraz: ‘He is fantastic for tennis – I love to watch him’

Novak Djokovic has hailed Carlos Alcaraz as ‘fantastic for tennis’ ahead of their first competitive match.

The pair will meet in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters after Alcaraz became the first teenager to ever beat Rafael Nadal.

It is the latest success in a brilliant year for the 19-year-old, with him winning already three titles, including a Masters, and breaking into the top ten for the first time.

Asked about Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic said: “I must say that in all fronts, on and off the court, he’s great.

“I love to watch him play, as a lot of other players on the tour. He’s fantastic for our sport, no doubt.

“I think it’s great that we have a young player who is doing so well and giving a new fresh breath to the tennis world.

“Seeing that and knowing that he’s a very nice guy, very humble with good values, is a perfect combination.”

Djokovic’s comments were put to Alcaraz later in the day and he was understandably thrilled to hear them, but he vowed not to let them go to his head.