On an emotional night at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic once again dominated the headlines. After his impressive victory over Jannik Sinner in an epic semifinal, the Serbian was asked about his expectations for the final, and he didn’t hesitate to mention Carlos Alcaraz, a statement that surprised many.

“Carlos has shown impressive maturity in his game. He maintains his composure in difficult moments, and his current level puts him perfectly in a position to compete not only with me, but also with Sinner. He’s a worthy opponent and has everything it takes to be one of the best of this era,” Djokovic declared earnestly.

Djokovic’s comment was interpreted by many as a mixture of respect and warning. It wasn’t empty praise, but a clear sign that the Serb considers Alcaraz a true contender, someone who could change the game.

Five minutes later, Carlos Alcaraz was quick to respond during a quick interview on the court. With a humble smile, the young Spaniard thanked the champion for his words.

“It’s the first time someone has said that to me so directly and sincerely… I really appreciate Novak’s words. Coming from someone who has achieved so much, it means a lot to me. But I still have a lot to learn. Day by day, I will continue working to improve and become not only a great player, but the best version of myself.”

Fans quickly reacted enthusiastically on social media, praising Alcaraz’s humility and constant desire to improve. “He’s down to earth,” wrote one follower. Another commented: “This kid not only has talent, he also has a heart and a mind.”

The Roland Garros final promises to be one of the most exciting duels of the year, and with statements like these, it’s clear that the mutual respect between tennis’ greats is stronger than ever.