Tennis stars Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz
Former British great Greg Rusedski states that “all the players” agree that Novak Djokovic has been the best player in male tennis this year, despite the continuous growth of Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz at the top of the game.
The 1997 US Open runner-up’s remarks came despite both players having secured the top place for 15 weeks this year, while Djokovic has added three more Grand Slam trophies to Alcaraz’s sole major in 2023
“So you need look at all the elements that were surrounding the entire circumstance for Novak. I suppose Novak thought he was No. 1 even if the ranking didn’t state so.”
Rusedski went on to highlight just how vital Djokovic’s triumph against Alcaraz in the Cincinnati final was, coming so close to the US Open success and so long after Alcaraz had won an epic Wimbledon final against his elder opponent.
“He was struggling with heat strokes during that match because it was really hot in Cincinnati,” he noted.
He understands how to handle such circumstances, took a little extra time, had the trainer come out, won that second set, and then all of a sudden, he extended his victory to the third set. Novak knows how to manage greater problems.
That was the key match that led him to win the US Open. Novak will be quite thrilled with 3-4 majors this year and number 24. But again, coming up next year he’s got the Australian Open, his most successful major, so I have a feeling 25-26 is in store for next year at least.”
Djokovic presently owns the World No. 1 ranking with 11,795 points this year, with Alcaraz on 8,535. Djokovic also leads the year long race standings, with Alcaraz – predictably – in second slot..
