Published: February 2, 2026 at 1:08 pm
Twenty-two-year-old Carlos Alcaraz Garfia of Spain has got tennis experts all over the world praising his game and his aptitude after he chalked up an impressive triumph over Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open tournament on Sunday. It was a fitting climax to a dream run by the Spaniard.
Many tennis pundits feel that the world is seeing a new legend in the making. In the Open era, Carlos Alcaraz was the first player to win his first three Majors on three different surfaces. He is currently ranked world No. 1 in men’s singles by the ATP.
So, what are the qualities that make this player from Spain a champion with a great future? According to Hyderabad’s tennis coach Pravin Bhargava, one of Carlos Alcaraz’s assets is that he is super fit. “That is his first big weapon. Secondly, he is a very controlled player. He does not allow his emotions or the pressure to overcome him. In every match he is focused and stable,” said Pravin.
Alcaraz has ability to change gears: Pravin
“Like Djokovic, young Carlos also has the ability to change gears when it matters most. At crucial junctures, he can move his game up by a notch. He pulls out a hidden deposit of stamina and speed which is awesome to behold.”
“But physical aspects are not the only things that he relies on. He has superb skills too. The way he can disguise his drops is breathtaking. He can also employ different tactics. He can play a baseline game and has very powerful forehand shots. Talent-wise he has got all that is needed,” said Pravin.
With accolades flowing in from every direction, Carlos Alcaraz is already basking in glory. After the win, his opponent Djokovic crossed the net with a smile and a warm handshake. Speaking to the media, Djokovic said: “He’s a very smart, all-around player who changes tactics and adjusts his game depending on the opponent.”
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About his own plans, Djokovic said: “This loss doesn’t mean the end. As long as I feel the hunger and love for this game, I’m not thinking about retirement.” The tall slim Serbian has left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is one of the most highly motivated players in the circuit, even though he is now 38. Whatever Alcaraz may achieve one day, Dojokovic has already achieved.
Like Alexander the Great, Djokovic too has achieved all the goals that a tennis player can ever achieve. Pic: BBC
According to historians, Alexander the Great had once expressed sorrow that he had reached the end of his conquests. He felt sad that there were no more worlds to conquer. Like Alexander, Djokovic too has achieved all the goals that a tennis player can ever achieve.
Djokovic has won 101 ATP tour level titles, including a record 24 Grand Slam crowns, which has a phenomenal 10 Australian Opens in it. Apart from these, he has a record 40 Masters titles, and an Olympic gold medal. In singles, he is the only man to achieve a triple career Grand Slam. The list of his outstanding achievements is too long to include in one article. But the Alexander of tennis is not done yet.
Djokovic is the GOAT of tennis
In any debate about choosing the greatest tennis player of all time, the name of Djokovic would be the most prominent. The case for Djokovic being the GOAT of tennis is built on several aspects of his game and approach. His game has no obvious weakness while having plenty of strengths. His return of serve is considered the best the game has seen and his movement, flexibility and balance are unmatched.
His mental resilience in long, tense matches has broken the spirit of many opponents. We saw this in the recent Australian Open semifinal against Jannik Sinner. The Serbian champ put together an all-time great performance to dethrone the two-time reigning champion Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a battle that lasted more than four hours.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer played against each other 50 times and the Serbian leads 27-23 including 13-6 in the finals. Pic: The New York Times
Djokovic’s winning head-to-head records against both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal strengthen his claim as the greatest. Djokovic and Federer played against each other 50 times and the Serbian leads 27-23 including 13-6 in the finals. Against Nadal, Djokovic has played 60 times, and Djokovic leads 31-29 overall in all tournaments. However, in the Majors, Nadal leads 11-7 head-to-head.
But then, greatness is not only a matter of figures and statistics. Federer represented elegance, style and global appeal. Nadal embodied intensity and clay-court genius. Each shaped tennis culture in ways that statistics cannot completely measure. On the other hand, Djokovic has been at times, a polarising figure. He does not have the popular appeal as Federer or Nadal. Djokovic has won countless matches but not as many hearts.
Nevertheless, viewed through the lens of a broader perspective, which includes records, versatility and longevity, the argument in favour of Djokovic being the GOAT of tennis is very strong. Nadal has been quoted as saying: “Djokovic has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable. I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history, and there is nothing to discuss in that.”
Against Rafael Nadal, Djokovic has played 60 times, and Djokovic leads 31-29 overall in all tournaments. However, in the Majors, Nadal leads 11-7 head-to-head. Pic: CNN
Djokovic’s former coach Todd Martin once said: “His athleticism is from another world. His return of serve is way better than any other return of serve ever, and I mean way better. Nobody has gotten so many balls back and neutralized so many good serves.”
Finally, Djokovic’s adaptability sets him apart. He reads opponents astutely, adjusts tactics mid-match, and evolves his game to suit different surfaces. Combined with his professionalism, discipline and relentless desire to improve, these qualities explain why Novak Djokovic has sustained a high level of excellence for so long and why he is widely regarded as the leading contender for the title of the greatest tennis player of all time.
