Who would’ve thought one of the fiercest rivalries in tennis today would be between a 37-year-old Novak Djokovic and a 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz? And yet, here we are. Seven matches in, and every single one has been a spectacle. From epic Wimbledon finals to their latest Australian Open quarterfinal showdown, this cross-generational battle has become must-watch tennis. Meanwhile, off the court, there’s nothing but mutual admiration. Now, the Serbian is defending his young opponent from the naysayers! What did he say?

Alcaraz’s 2025 campaign has been strong overall. He’s posted a 24-5 win-loss record across seven tournaments, capturing titles in Rotterdam and Monte Carlo, finishing runner-up in Barcelona, and making the semifinals at Indian Wells. Sure, there were shockers in Miami with a first-round exit, but perfection isn’t part of the job description—yet somehow, it’s expected from a four-time Grand Slam champion. Adding to the pressure is the temporary absence of Jannik Sinner due to a doping ban. With one of his main rivals out, the spotlight has intensified on Alcaraz. But if there’s one person who knows a thing or two about pressure, it’s 24-time Grand Slam champ Novak Djokovic.

Asked about the criticism aimed at the 21-year-old, Djokovic didn’t hold back. Talking to EuroSport, he said, “No, I don’t understand. But the atmosphere and tradition of tennis in this country is very great. The expectation is huge after Nadal, Moyá, Ferrero… they have all been number one in the world. But, listen. He is 21 years old, has won four Grand Slams and many tournaments. What else do you want? You want more, but what he has done in this period is incredible.”

The respect runs deep. Earlier this year in a GQ interview, the Serbian praised Alcaraz’s rise: “Carlos has done something no one has done in history for such a young age. So the odds are with him. He is going to complete his [career] Slam very soon.”

Of course, it was Djokovic who denied him that milestone in Australia. But there’s plenty of time left. The young Spaniard has already set one record that even the Big Three couldn’t manage—he’s the youngest man in the Open Era to reach Grand Slam finals on all three surfaces (hard, grass, clay) at 21 years and 1 month.

For now, though, he’s forced to take a step back.

Novak Djokovic Reacts to Carlos Alcaraz’s Withdrawal from Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open due to an adductor injury he sustained during his Barcelona final loss to Holger Rune. He received treatment on his upper right leg during the match, but ultimately decided the tournament came too soon. It’s a blow, especially for local fans. Alcaraz is a two-time champion in Madrid and a huge draw in the Spanish capital.

We also missed out on a potential semifinal rematch with Novak Djokovic—both players were in the same half of the draw. It was shaping up to be another must-see showdown, but fate had other plans.

The 24-time Grand Slam champ acknowledged the loss for the tournament and said, “His absence [from the Madrid Open] is not good news for the tournament. Over the last two or three years, Carlos has been the number one star here with the Spanish fans, who give him tremendous support. He won in Monte Carlo, and just two days later played in Barcelona, reaching another final. Physically, it’s expected that he will encounter some issues.” 

Alcaraz now hopes to recover in time for Rome—a tournament he also missed last year due to an arm injury. All eyes will be on whether he can return in time to gear up for Roland Garros. Meanwhile, Djokovic continues his pursuit of ATP title No. 100. He’s already a three-time Madrid champion, with titles in 2011, 2016, and 2019. A fourth would add yet another layer to an already staggering legacy.