Novak Djokovic has backed Carlos Alcaraz to emerge as the new face of men’s tennis, as he showered praise on the charismatic 21-year-old.

Jannik Sinner may be sitting at the top of the ATP Rankings after his dominant win at the Australian Open last month, but he could be facing a long suspension from tennis after he failed two doping tests last March.

Sinner will learn his fate at an appeal hearing over his doping case in mid-April and the verdict in that case will have a big impact on his future in the sport and his ultimate legacy.

Now 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has given his opinion on the new ‘Big 2’ in men’s tennis, as he spoke to Vijesti about the comparison with the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz and the long-running battles he has with his great competitors Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“We have Alcaraz and Sinner who are developing some new rivalry,” began Djokovic.

“Nadal, Federer and I, as well as Murray, whom I have to include, have really dominated men’s tennis in the last 15-20 years and we have raised the standard and quite high, not only in terms of results, but also with all other aspects and expectations that a champion and world No 1 should carry, how he should represent him, how he should play the role of ambassador of the sport, leader of the sport.

“When we talk about charisma, Alcaraz stands out as someone who stood out, not only with his games, outstanding achievements and results for such a young age, but also as someone who is very charismatic, a fair 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 a lot of experience, but acts like he’s been on the tour for 10 years or more.

“I think that the cause of all this is his proper upbringing, his environment, coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, former No 1 and Grand Slam champion.

“He has passed on to him from a young age what it means to be an athlete, not only in the championship aspect of performance, achieving results and perseverance, but also what are the values and principles of the sport that should be advocated and nurtured, passed on and serve as a guiding star to the younger generations.”

Djokovic also spoke about his desire to continue in tennis despite achieving so much in the sport, as he suggested his passion to win more is still burning brightly.

“It is mainly because of the love for tennis, for sports,” he said when speaking about his desire.

“Secondly, there is also the fact that I think that through tennis I develop the most as a person, as strange as it may sound, but on the tennis court during a match I go through a million emotions.

“Some of the most beautiful, some of the worst, and doubts, and criticism, and ecstasy, pleasure, anger, rage, everything else… and in those few hours, I sometimes even embarrass myself for what I go through and how I behave, on the other hand, what thoughts appear to me.

Tennis News

Novak Djokovic’s shock decision could be motivated by a mega-money deal

Novak Djokovic’s ranking, prize money, sponsors and his next tournament

“In any case, I am proud that I can go through it all in a humane and sportsmanlike way and lend a hand to the opponent, regardless of whether he won or lost.

“I think that these are the values ​​that sport sends and that is why people identify with athletes. Especially in an individual sport, where you have to beat yourself first to beat the one across the net.

“These are all the life lessons I’m going through, and secondly, I really feel that with my professional playing of tennis, I continue to inspire the younger generation to pick up a racket, not only in our country, but also in the world. That’s what drives me, really gives me strength, the privileged position and status I have.

“Now I would like everyone to play tennis, but I would be satisfied if they play any sport, with or without a ball, because activity is key, for health and for everything else, from the youngest feet.”

READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic injury ‘conspiracy theory’ resurfaces after rapid recovery