"Are you going to tell me Carlos Alcaraz will play for 12 years like today? He's a good player but his body is wasted" - Novak Djokovic's ex-coach

Carlos Alcaraz was the only player to stop Novak Djokovic at a Grand Slam event in 2023, ousting the Serb in a five-set battle in the Wimbledon final.

The Spaniard has already bagged two Grand Slam titles, leaving the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev — all viewed as future stars — behind in the race.

In a recent interview with Serbian daily Vecernje Novos, Novak Djokovic’s former coach Nikola Pilic recalled how he considered Alcaraz the successor of the ‘Big 3’ of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after his title run at the Madrid Open.

"When Carlos Alcaraz won Madrid, I said that he was the de facto heir of the 'Big 3'," Nikola Pilic said.

Pilic, however, was quick to question Alcaraz’s longevity, casting doubts over his ability to continue playing at the highest level for the next 12 years or so. The Croat said while Alcaraz was "strong," the injuries he has sustained at a young age could take a toll on his physical fitness.

"But are you going to tell me that he will play for another 12 years like today? He's strong, and he's a good player, I like it," Nikola Pilic said. "But, his body is wasted, that is true. How many injuries has he had so far. Regardless, he plays great."

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Carlos Alcaraz looking to dethrone Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz practicing ahead of the 2024 Australian Open.

Carlos Alcaraz will begin his 2024 season at the year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open. The Spaniard has not participated in any warm-up tournaments this year, and his last competitive match came at the ATP Finals in November.

A two-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz is yet to crack the Australia code. He has lost in the first week in both of his two appearances at the season-opening Slam.

This year, Alcaraz will be seeded second at the Australian Open. He will be one of the main contenders looking to dethrone defending champion Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard has already arrived in Melbourne and was spotted hitting the practice courts recently.