17 ATP titles, including 4 Grand Slams and 5 Masters 1000s… and no, we’re not talking about one of the Big Four legends! These incredible stats belong to none other than Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish phenom who turned pro at just 15! Crazy, right? But it gets even better – even Novak Djokovic has been singing Alcaraz’s praises lately.

The story goes back to 2020, at the Rio Open, where a young Spaniard named Alcaraz made his ATP debut after receiving a wildcard entry. Not only did he step onto professional tennis for the first time, but he also made history, becoming the first player born after 2003 to win an ATP Tour match after Albert Ramos Viñolas. Fast forward to today, and that same player has won an impressive 17 ATP titles. From capturing his first Slam at the 2022 US Open to securing his latest triumph this past weekend, his first indoor title at the Rotterdam Open when he defeated Alex De Minaur, Carlos Alcaraz continues to etch his name into greatness.

Yet, beyond the trophies and accolades, one defining factor sets him apart from his counterparts: his infectious aura and unshakable smile, whether in victory or defeat. Take an example of his own words from Roland-Garros 2023, where he once said, “I’m winning all the time because I am smiling. And I always said that smiling for me is the key of everything.” Now, following their recent epic clash at the recently concluded Happy Slam, 24-time Grand Slam Winner Novak Djoković has weighed in, sharing his thoughts on the rising Spanish prodigy.

Djokovic recently sat down with the sports editorial office “Vijesti” in Montenegro, where he opened up about the future of tennis and who among the new generation he believes has the potential to carry on the legacy of the “Big 3”. “We have Alcaraz and Sinner who are developing a new rivalry. Nadal, Federer and I, as well as Murray who I have to include here, have really dominated men’s tennis in the last 15-20 years and we have raised the standard and criteria quite high, not only in terms of results but also with all the other aspects and expectations that a champion and world number one should have, how he should represent it, how he should play that ambassador role of the sport, the leader of the sport,” he added.

Djokovic continued, “When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who has stood out, not only with his matches, exceptional achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair-play player and kind to everyone. And when he loses, he loses with a smile, which is really impressive for such a young man who doesn’t have much experience, but who acts as if he has been on the tour for 10 years or more.”. 

As for Alcaraz, after his first indoor championship, he is heading towards ATP Doha 2025. And, speaking of Doha, the Serbian also shared some light on the injury he received in Australia, which cost him his semi-final.

Novak Djokovic shared his injury update before chasing his 100th trophy

From a brilliant SF run to a heartbreaking walkover because of injury, Novak Djoković’s Happy Slam campaign ended in catastrophe as he was forced to hand over the win to German ace Alexander Zverev at iconic Rod Laver Arena last month. Until the semifinals, the Serbian was unstoppable, winning all his matches, including a four-set thriller against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the QF, despite dropping the first set. 

However, during that Alcaraz match, he sustained a left leg muscle injury, which lingered through to the semis, severely affecting his preparation for the Sascha clash. In fact, the former No. 1 couldn’t even train properly until just an hour before his clash against the No. 2, a battle he ultimately couldn’t fight after the first set lost. Now, almost two weeks after his in-court retirement, the 25-time GS-chasing Serbian has finally shared an important update on his injury while in Montenegro.

In the same interview, he added, “There is no more rupture in the muscle, the injury is almost 100 percent repaired and I am ready to go to new work victories. “I have the green light from the medical team that I can train, that I can prepare. The tournament in Doha is scheduled in seven days, so I’m sticking to the schedule”

He also added, “Thank God I was able to recover quickly. I’ve had a little more injuries lately than I did in the first 15 years of my career. It probably comes with age, but my body still listens to me, the flame and the desire to achieve new achievements still burn in me. That is why he hopes for success, both in the next seven in Doha and in the rest of the season.” 

The ATP Doha Open, which will feature both Alcaraz and Novak, will be starting on 19th February. Do you think Novak will come back stronger and win his 100th this time around? Share your thoughts below!