Carlos Alcaraz hailed Novak Djokovic's longevity by saying that the Serb is doing "impressive" things at 38, but also highlights that he doesn't want to think about him doing similar in a decade and a half from now.
At the start of the year, Djokovic delivered an outstanding display to beat Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinal. On Friday, the 22-year-old Spaniard got his revenge after ousting the record 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-4 7-6 (4) 6-2 to reach the US Open final.
By losing to Alcaraz, Djokovic - who celebrated his 38th birthday in May - concluded his Grand Slam year with four consecutive semifinal showings.
Its impressive what he (Novak) has done this year in the Slams, reaching the semifinal in every Slam, challenging us the way hes doing. He always looks like hes 20, 25 years old physically. To maintain that level at 38, its impressive," the Spaniard said in his post-match presser.
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Alcaraz: I was told to focus on the present and I'm only thinking about the next five years
The same month that Djokovic turned 38, Alcaraz also celebrated his 22nd birthday. At 22, the Spanish tennis star has five Grand Slam titles in his collection, and if he beats Jannik Sinner in the US Open final, he will improve to six. However, while the Spaniard is on the course to possibly even emulate the Big Three's Grand Slam heights, he doesn't want to think too far ahead - instead - he is only focused on "the next five years."
One person once told me you dont have to think about 35, 38 years old, still playing at that age. He told me: you have to be focused on the next five years from now until when Im 27. Then when I get to 27, think about the next five years more. So its not about thinking in 15 or 20 years," the 22-year-old explained.
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Considering how Alcaraz's career has started, him being in Grand Slam double digits at 27 looks like a safe bet.
