Novak Djokovic Preferred Over Rafael Nadal for 19-Year-Old ATP World No.1’s Career Growth, Foresees His Coach – ‘We Need Him’

Recently, the coach of Carlos Alcaraz, the current ATP world no.1, talked about the importance of Novak Djokovic for the development of young players on the Tour. The Spanish teenage star took the world of tennis by storm this season. He outshined many high-caliber players and jumped several ranks in the ATP to claim the crown of World no.1. However, many believe he got lucky. According to many fans, he never faced the real challenge as Rafael Nadal suffered back-to-back injuries and Novak Djokovic stayed out of many tournaments because of his vaccination status.

Alcaraz’s coach finds some truth in the same. Needless to say, he doesn’t doubt his player’s abilities. But he for sure wants these players on the ATP Tour for the proper development of the Spanish sensation. Here’s his take on Djokovic receiving a green flag for the 2023 Australian Open.

Ferrero about how important Novak Djokovic is for Alcaraz’s growth 

Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former World no.1, reading the nine-times champion’s return to the Australian Open, said, “We need him. I think for Carlos to improve his tennis, he needs to play against one of the best in the history.”

Thereafter, he added, “Of course, Rafa [Nadal] is there to play against him and Novak, we need him. In Madrid, Carlos played against Novak and he increased his level to try to win the match. So that’s what we need, to play in the Slams against him. I think it’s very important for Carlos to improve.”

Read more: ‘I Couldn’t Handle It’ – Carlos Alcaraz Says He Broke Down Mentally in Montreal

Alcaraz has locked horns with the 21-time Grand Slam champion only once. He met Djokovic on the clay courts of the Madrid Open. They squared off for a seat in the finals and the 19-year-old took down the experienced Serb in a thrilling match, 7-6(5) 5-7 7-6(5).

Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive 2022 season

The Spaniard has emerged as one of the most competent next-generation players. He, with his victory on the hard courts of the US Open, became the youngest ATP professional to claim the ranking of World no.1 and the second-youngest to claim the Grand Slam title in Flushing Meadows since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Watch this story: Carlos Alcaraz, the new sensational kid on the block

Alcaraz took down the 2022 French Open finalist Casper Ruud in a four-set long championship match to secure his first-ever major title. Further, at the Miami Open this season, he became the tournament’s youngest winner and the third youngest to claim any ATP Masters 1000 trophy.