Coach Patrick Mouratoglou acknowledges Carlos Alcaraz is doing some very impressive things but noted it is Novak Djokovic who is still “the best player in the world.” Djokovic, 35, started the 2023 season by winning his 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Following his Australian Open victory, Djokovic also replaced Alcaraz at the world No 1 spot. Alcaraz returned to the world No 1 spot after the Indian Wells Masters on March 20th but Djokovic reclaimed the top spot this Monday after the Spaniard failed to defend his Miami Masters title.
Mouratoglou: Alcaraz is the more impressive but Djokovic is the best
“The best player in the world is the world No 1, and it’s Novak Djokovic. If Alcaraz is No 1 tomorrow, we can say it’s Alcaraz. I think Carlos again is an incredible player and I have no doubt that he will be No 1 for years.
But for the moment, it’s impossible not to say that Novak is the best. He is not able to play a lot of tournaments for non-vaccinated reasons, and he’s still technically No 1. Novak will probably be the GOAT. He’s a guy who’s winning Grand Slams for 15 years.
He arrived at a time that Rafa and Roger were winning absolutely everything, and he was able to arrive, beat both of them and become No 1. I think Carlos is more impressive than Novak in terms of the tennis he plays. He has so much power, he’s so explosive physically.
He also has a touch. I understand that people already want to put Carlos on top of him, but he’s not there yet,” Mouratoglou said in a video uploaded on his Instagram.
Djokovic personally has a great level of respect for Alcaraz and he has several times stated that Alcaraz deservedly became a Grand Slam champion and the world No 1.
Alcaraz is now a legitimate title contender wherever he goes and many think the 19-year-old could be a potential threat to Djokovic at the French Open or any other Grand Slam.
