Carlos Alcaraz has developed into one of the sport’s best grass-court players over the past few years, winning consecutive Wimbledon titles.
In 2024, Alcaraz won Wimbledon for the second time, beating Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the final 6-2, 6-2, 7-6.
Many had doubted the Spaniard coming into the tournament, following his shock second-round exit at Queen’s.
Alcaraz lost to Jack Draper in straight sets 6-7, 3-6, as his Queen’s title defence went up in flames.
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Bouncing back at SW19, Alcaraz proved why he’s one of the best grass-court players around, winning his second title in as many years.
One year earlier, Alcaraz had beaten Djokovic in the 2023 final, after which the 24-time Major champion revealed what his younger rival had done on grass that ‘surprised everyone’ on the ATP Tour.
Novak Djokovic said Carlos Alcaraz ‘surprised everyone’ with how quickly he adapted to grass
In an instant classic, Alcaraz beat Djokovic 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, to lift the Wimbledon title in 2023.
After the match, Djokovic was asked whether he was surprised by how quickly Alcaraz had adapted to all three surfaces.
“To clay, no, I’m not surprised because he grew up on clay. His game is obviously suited and developed for clay, probably slower hard courts,” he said.
“But, yeah, grass, I must say he surprised me. He surprised everyone with how quickly he adapted to grass this year.
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“He hasn’t had too many wins on grass in the last two years that he played. Obviously, him coming from clay, having the kind of style that he has.”
- Carlos Alcaraz’s grass-court wins in 2022: 3-1 (Lost in Wimbledon 4R)
- Carlos Alcaraz’s grass-court record in 2021: 1-1 (Lost in Wimbledon 2R)
Djokovic reflected on Alcaraz’s run at Queen’s in the build-up to Wimbledon, explaining the effect it had on his Grand Slam triumph.
“I think Queen’s helped him a lot. He was close to losing that first match, opening match, in Queen’s,” he said.
“Then he started to gain momentum, more and more wins against really good players.
Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s in 2023
“Wimbledon courts are maybe slower than the Queen’s courts. It’s more suitable for, I guess, the baseliners like he is.
“I must say the slices, the kind of chipping returns, the net play, it’s very impressive. I didn’t expect him to play so well this year on grass, but he’s proven that he’s the best player in the world, no doubt.
“He’s playing some fantastic tennis on different surfaces, and he deserves to be where he is.”
Novak Djokovic claimed he had never seen a player like Carlos Alcaraz
When asked if there were any players he would compare Alcaraz to after the 2023 final, Djokovic admitted the Spaniard shares similarities with himself, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
“I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal], and myself. I would agree with that. I think he’s got basically the best of all three worlds,” he said.
“He’s got this mental resilience and real maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It’s quite impressive. He’s got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defence that we’ve seen with Rafa over the years.
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“I think he’s got some nice sliding backhands, and he’s got some similarities with my backhands. Yeah, two-handed backhands, defence, being able to adapt. I think that has been my personal strength for many years. He has it too.”
Djokovic did, however, admit he’d never played anyone quite like Alcaraz.
“I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest,” he said.
“Roger and Rafa have their own strengths and weaknesses.
“Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces.”
At just 22 years of age, Alcaraz has already matched Nadal’s tally at Wimbledon, although he still has some way to go if he wants to reach the heights of Federer and Djokovic at the All England Club.
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal compared at Wimbledon
Alcaraz will certainly be hoping to add a third Wimbledon title to his collection in 2025 as he looks to close in on Djokovic and Federer.
The 2025 Wimbledon tournament is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 30.