Djokovic defends Alcaraz: "He has four Slams at 21, what more can be asked of him?"

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Novak Djokovic is back in a city that brings back pleasant memories for him. The Mutua Madrid Open 2025 is decked out and awaits the start of a tournament where the Serbian returns to competition, an event he has conquered three times and where, especially in the second half of his career, he found a renewed connection with the Spanish audience. We don't know if this will be his last time, but for now, his main goal is to regain an outstanding form that will place him on the starting line for Roland Garros.

Nole, speaking to Eurosport during the previous Laureus Gala, describes Spain as a country he "loves" and recalls "extraordinary matches against Nadal, for example" at the Caja Mágica that he knows perfectly well. However, he admits that perhaps he still "misses" the Madrid clay a little: he has barely competed in this event in the last six or seven years. One might think that the Serbian's name is at the top of the favorites, but the wound from Monte Carlo continues to be quite deep - even he is not clear if he is among the top contenders for the title.

"I don't know. I always remain optimistic, but I'm not sure if I'm among the favorites, because I haven't had very good results lately. I know that the level I'm striving for could come here or at Roland Garros, I don't know, but I hope it will come here". Hoping to regain his best form, the Balkan player also faced questions about his motivation and whether the retirements of Nadal and Federer have diminished his desire to keep winning. "It could be, but if I didn't have motivation, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn't play anymore, I would leave the racket in peace (smiles). I still feel the motivation to play, the passion to compete, that's still there. I think I can continue, I have more inspiration and motivation to do well in the Grand Slams".

A CLEAR DEFENSE AGAINST THE CRITICISM RECEIVED BY ALCARAZ

Perhaps the most resonant words are those uttered by the Serbian regarding the criticisms received by Carlos Alcaraz. "I don't understand them", Novak stated, before suggesting that perhaps the long-standing relationship with Spain's success in the world of tennis (pointing to number ones like Moyà, Ferrero, and especially Nadal) makes what Carlos has achieved seem normalized. Nonetheless, Djokovic concluded his speech with a clear statement: "But, listen, he's 21 years old, has four Grand Slams, won many tournaments... what more do you want? To this point, what he has achieved is incredible". It couldn't be clearer, certainly. Now, we just have to hope that the one from Belgrade and the one from Murcia will give us another incredible chapter of their rivalry in the upcoming semifinals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic defiende a Alcaraz: "Tiene cuatro Slams con 21 años, ¿qué más se le puede pedir?"