Carlos Alcaraz reveals why Novak Djokovic gave him 'Titan' nickname at Wimbledon & Serb's secret message to him at the net after final

Carlos Alcaraz has shared some insights after his 2024 Wimbledon final win over Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz defeated the 24-time Grand Slam winner in straight sets and revealed a touching moment between the two stars, underlining their mutual respect.

Alcaraz's victory over Djokovic on Centre Court was a significant milestone. It marked his fourth Major title and solidified his status as one of the flag-bearers of the sport. Novak Djokovic, 37, had just undergone knee surgery, yet reached the final and was gracious in defeat, crediting Alcaraz for his high level of tennis.

In an interview with the Spanish outlet Marca, Alcaraz said:

"When I saw him this year at Wimbledon for the first time, and he was dealing with his knee, we joked and I told him he was a superhuman, a titan. Since then, every time we saw each other here, he called me a titan. On the net, he said to me: 'Titan, congratulations, you deserve it.' I don't remember much else."

While this year's final was not as dramatic as the five-setter from last year, Alcaraz said he felt a sense of relief after the final point. He added:

"Above all, relief at the last moment of the match, having won it and having them return. In the end, winning it in the tie-break relieved me. Likewise, I felt satisfaction for everything I've been through taking care of my body, with all the little things I've been dealing with, and for all the work we've put in these four weeks here."

Further in the interview, Carlos Alcaraz said about how uncertain the future was and that he couldn't take any moment for granted. However, he shared that if he continues to have the desire to train and fight daily, he will be able to achieve great things.

With the US Open on the horizon, both players can add another Slam to their kitty. While Djokovic still holds last year's trophy, he will look to avenge his Wimbledon loss. However, Alcaraz winning two of the Slams this year sets him on a trajectory similar to Rafael Nadal's 2010 season, where he won the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. With the Olympics also approaching, all eyes will be on the remainder of the tennis season to see how the results pan out.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic's rivalry built on respect, from jokes to nicknames

2023 French Open - Day Thirteen (Source: GETTY)

Moments after securing his spot in the Wimbledon final, Djokovic had a wholesome speech on his tennis journey and his experience of facing Alcaraz. The pair have been giving fans some exquisite match-ups to enjoy. Before the final, Djokovic had said in his on-court interview post his win over Lorenzo Musetti:

"Carlos Alcaraz is going to win many more Grand Slams. Maybe not this one, but when I retire in the next 15 years!"

The duo also shared a wholesome moment after the Wimbledon 2024 final, as shared by Alcaraz, in which Djokovic referred to him as a 'titan.' Even after the final, Djokovic played along as the presenter referred to Alcaraz as being hot on court that day.

Last year, after winning the Cincinnati Open against Alcaraz, Djokovic said in his victory speech that the youngster never gives up. To that, the former replied:

""Spanish never die."

On hearing this, Djokovic was immediately reminded of his match-ups against Nadal as he replied playfully:

"I've heard that before. Or I've experienced this before."

As tennis fans hope to see many more great contests between the two, Alcaraz and Djokovic are taking some time off before the Paris Olympics, where they will hope to make their countries proud.