Opinion | Novak Djokovic is still king, but Carlos Alcaraz a real threat to Wimbledon throne
- Longevity is Novak’s greatest strength but his game has changed since I coached him – if you don’t constantly improve, then you’ll be left behind
- Alcaraz has the X-factor – it’s quite a heavy burden to carry, coming from the same country as Rafa Nadal, but he does so with ease
Novak Djokovic is my brother from another mother. We call each other “family” and that’s as close as you can be.
I got to know Novak on and off the court during my three-year spell as his coach between 2013 and 2016, and since then our relationship has only become stronger. I have seen the way he is with his family and friends. His sense of humour.
I have seen the important work he does – together with his wife, Jelena – on his foundation. I have seen much more than the technical, machine-like guy we all see on court. I got to see his heart – and it’s a good one.
He is 36 now. That longevity is his greatest strength and it’s a quality he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Anybody can have a good week, even a good year, but to do it over 15, 16, 17, 18 years is exceptional. That’s what sets those three players apart.
Novak is still winning – he’s the reigning Australian and French Open champion and who would bet against him when he walks out at Wimbledon? – but his game has changed since I coached him. It had to. The locker room doesn’t sleep. They watch you, study you, search out your weaknesses. If you don’t constantly improve, then you’re going to be left behind.
How has Novak done that? When you are 36 and the guy over the net from you is 22, you don’t want to get into too many 20-stroke baseline rallies. His serve has improved, so has his net play. It all leads to him winning points a bit quicker.