"When he loses, he loses with a smile" - Novak Djokovic names the youngster who has the same charisma he, Federer & Nadal had

Novak Djokovic has shared his thoughts on which next-generation ATP player has the same charisma as him, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. He praised that player highly.

Djokovic is recovering from his Australian Open heartbreak last month and the hamstring injury that came with it. He retired in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev after losing the first set, delaying his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

The Serb underwent treatment in his hometown, Belgrade, and is now ready to compete at the Qatar Open from February 17 to 22. Ahead of the tournament, he spoke with Montenegrin daily Vijesti, discussing various topics.

When asked which new players have the charisma of him, Nadal, and Federer, Novak Djokovic named Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but gave the latter the edge. He praised Alcaraz for his maturity in handling losses and his remarkable achievements at such a young age.

“We have [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Siner who are developing a new rivalry. [Rafael] Nadal, [Roger] Federer and I, as well as [Andy] Murray who I have to include here, have really dominated men's tennis in the last 15-20 years and we have raised the standard and criteria quite high," he said.

"Not only in terms of results but also with all the other aspects and expectations that a champion and World No. 1 should have, how he should represent it, how he should play that ambassadorial role of the sport, the leader of the sport," he added.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion continued:

“When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who has stood out, not only with his games, exceptional achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair-play player and kind to everyone. And when he loses, he loses with a smile, which is really impressive for such a young man who doesn't have much experience, but who acts as if he has been on the tour for 10 years or more.”

Novak Djokovic credits Carlos Alcaraz's achievements to his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic pictured at the 2025 Australian Open | Image Source: Getty

In the same interview with Vijesti, Novak Djokovic spoke further about Carlos Alcaraz, touching on the strong impression he has already made on him and the tennis world. He credited the 21-year-old’s “proper upbringing” and praised his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, for guiding him as a former pro and Major winner.

“I think the cause of all this is his proper upbringing, his environment, his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero,” Djokovic said.

“A former No. 1 and Grand Slam champion who passed on to him from a young age what it means to be an athlete, not only in terms of championship performance, achieving results and perseverance, but also what are the sporting values ​​and principles that should be advocated and nurtured, passed on and serve as a guiding star for the younger generations who follow tennis and who would like to one day achieve their goals,” he added.

Djokovic is no stranger to facing Alcaraz on the court. He recently defeated the Spaniard at the Australian Open to reach the semifinals.

Besides that, the two have faced off seven times on the ATP Tour, with the Serb leading their head-to-head 5-3. Both will be in action in Doha, and a potential clash could be on the cards, depending on the draw.