Novak Djokovic’s hopes of winning his record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title came to a crushing end on Sunday, 16th July. The 23-time Grand Slam winner’s historic run at the Wimbledon came to an end after he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in an incredible final. 36-year old Djokovic accepted the defeat graciously and went on to heap praise on the youngster. He termed Alcaraz as someone who has the best parts of the Big Three – Federer, Nadal and himself.
Also Read: Wimbledon Final Highlights: Alcaraz ends Djokovic’s run, lifts maiden Wimbledon title
Djokovic already showered praise on Alcaraz in hjis post match speech on the court. Later in the post-match conference, he went a step ahead and agreed that Alcaraz has all the elements of the Big 3. “I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa and myself. I would agree with that. He’s got basically best of all three worlds,” he said.
He also went on to add that “I haven’t played a player like him ever. He is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces,” he stated.
Earlier, during his on-court speech, he said, “I am really grateful even though I did not win today, I lost against a better player and I have to congratulate him and move on hopefully.”
Djokovic had earlier lost to Alcaraz on clay at the Madrid Masters last year. “I thought I will have trouble with you only on clay and maybe on hardcourt but not on grass. But now it’s a different story,” he chuckled.
He then went on to appreciate Alcaraz for adapting to grass so quickly “Congrats, amazing way to adapt to the surface. You played maybe once or twice before this year’s Wimbledon on grass. Amazing what you did in Queen’s Congratulations to your team. Well done.”
Djokovic ‘tears up’
Djokovic was trying hard to hold back his tears. However he burst out towards the end of his speech after looking at his son Stefan. “It’s nice to see my son still there, still smiling,” he said and couldn’t proceed to talk as he got emotional.
He took his time and the crowd cheered on. “I love you. Thank You for supporting me. I will give you a big huge and we can all love each other,” he concluded his speech.
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