Ljubicic: "Alcaraz is something different, he is the one that generates the most enthusiasm among the fans"

Carlos Navarro | 21 Nov 2025 | 21.00

Ivan Ljubicic was in Bologna and was interviewed by Puntodebreak. Source: Getty

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Ivan Ljubicic (Banja Luka, Bosnia, March 19, 1979) is synonymous with evolution, growth, and composure. Both in his tennis career, where he aged like fine wine, already achieving some of his best results as a veteran, and off the courts, establishing himself as a reference as a commentator, coach, and competition director. If his journey with Roger Federer brought him back to the forefront of the battlefield, now the Croatian fights in the shadows to return French tennis to the pinnacle of the tennis world pyramid.

In recent weeks, the Balkan giant received sad news. Emotions impossible to hide after the passing of Niki Pilic, one of his tennis fathers and the captain of the Croatian team, of which Ivan was one of its flag bearers on the court, who conquered the Davis Cup back in 2005. Pilic's stories go beyond his incredible success in team competition (being the only person to win this event with three different countries, being part of the teams of Germany, Croatia, and Serbia), but it was this reason that Ljubicic, along with other stellar names such as Novak Djokovic or Boris Becker, found himself in Bologna.

There, a heartfelt tribute took place honoring Niki, a perfect moment to start recording and get closer to him during a short break. Naturally, time is of the essence ("I have to leave practically now," he comments as he starts to delve into the treasure trove of memories), but just a few moments with him make me see that he is a very generous person. "It's okay, if you have questions, ask me, no problem." Time, with figures like him, is immensely valuable... so there is no moment to lose.

Niki Pilic, a somewhat undervalued figure that Ljubicic advocates as one of the most important people in the tennis world

Impossible to start with anyone or anything other than the reason for his presence in Italian lands, especially being aware of the close relationship that Niki and Ivan nurtured. A tremendous loss, for sure, but one that creates the perfect opportunity to highlight Pilic's figure beyond his success in the Davis Cup.

"Niki is the father of Croatian tennis. He was a true pioneer, the first. He is a legendary figure. People tend to forget that if today the ATP circuit exists, it's thanks to him: it all started with the Wimbledon boycott in 1973 by him," remembers emotionally the one from Banja Luka. "On a personal level, he meant a lot to me: he was my Davis Cup captain when we won, but beyond his duties as a selector, he was a mentor. We spent a lot of time together, shared many things."

His passing was very emotional, the funeral and the commemorative event that the Croatian Federation held for him were impressive, but we are happy that this tribute took place here: if there is one person who deserves something like this, it is Niki, since he was the only one who won the Davis Cup with three different countries. It's historic. He was never someone who talked much about himself, that didn't matter to him, he didn't care what people thought: he wanted to win, he was a winner, and everything he touched turned into success. Unfortunately, this is part of life, but I am happy that he played tennis until his last days. He was very important, not only for Croatian tennis but, as you can see, also for German and Serbian tennis."

It is easy to appreciate the immense imprint Niki Pilic left on many of his pupils, who, like him, became legends in the world of tennis. Ivan aims to add more golden pages to his resume alongside the French Tennis Federation, a partnership that began in December 2022, one of his first ventures after his journey with Roger Federer. If anyone thought it would be temporary, that we would soon see Ljubicic alongside a top player, they were wrong: the Croatian continues happily in his position and is beginning to see the first fruits of his work.

"I am in charge of the competition area, of high-level tennis, vertically, from top to bottom. It is a large structure, an important machine. My work encompasses everything from schools to the highest level, the Davis Cup. I am happy to be surrounded by very good people. I try to offer my experience, my knowledge, and my way of operating, everything I know from an independent perspective. By coming from outside, I can see things objectively, I am not connected to anything or anyone in particular. After two and a half years, we are starting to see the first results. We will see how everything continues."

Alcaraz, a force of nature who will continue to dominate, according to Ljubicic, alongside Jannik Sinner

It is time to move on to the most recent news, to a tennis landscape dominated by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. While the Croatian prepares to leave, he reflects on a duopoly that, according to him, will continue to rule the ATP circuit for at least two or three seasons: "Yes, I think things will continue in this direction. I think so because both Carlos and Jannik keep improving, keep adding things to their tennis. Their experience in important matches and under pressure continues to grow." And what about the other young players, those names that have started to shine in 2025?

"The rest are not there, they don't reach that level, so I don't expect anything to change in the next two or three years. Perhaps someone will emerge, but it will be individual performances here and there; I don't think they will challenge Carlos and Jannik on a global level throughout a year. It's interesting. They are two different players, two different personalities, so it's great to see that contrast every time they face each other. The numbers show that Carlos is slightly ahead of Jannik, he is also a bit younger, but it's fascinating and fantastic for tennis to have a rivalry like this right after the Big Three."

For many, it is easy to see Roger Federer reflected in Carlos Alcaraz. We are not talking about numbers or legacy; it is impossible to have this conversation at this stage. This is about styles, stylistic elements, and creativity on the court. No one better to address this issue than someone very close to Roger, who helped in his tennis metamorphosis from 2017, someone who keeps an eye on the current circuit and knows firsthand the great virtues of the genius from El Palmar. Is Carlos Alcaraz the closest thing to Roger Federer nowadays? The hesitation in his response gives way to admiration and even relief, in a truly interesting reflection.

"In terms of tennis... maybe. Yes. In terms of personality and character, I think they are completely different, and I don't believe you can disconnect one from the other. However, right now, Carlos is the most creative player, he is the player who generates the most excitement on a tennis court. Still, I think it's too early to talk about these things (he smiles). Yes, I believe he generates those emotions in tennis fans, in people who love this sport, he brings something different. There was a moment, five or ten years ago, when we were afraid that all players would be the same. He brought a different angle through his tennis. It's fantastic."

The light that sometimes shines in Carlos illuminates a different way of understanding tennis, a phrase signed by Ivan Ljubicic that serves as a masterful conclusion. The Croatian bids farewell, apologizes for the rush, and promises a future installment, perhaps in some other honorable coincidence by chance at any tournament. Of course, this speaker would enjoy a good conversation, maybe with some French wine involved, one that would extend without the clock putting on brakes, but that's journalism: opportunity, intuition, speed, and a great interlocutor who makes any conversation good, regardless of duration or setting. Here, at the heart of BolognaFiere, all the requirements were met. See you next time.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ljubicic: "Alcaraz es algo distinto, es el que genera más entusiasmo en los aficionados"