Former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov weighed in on Novak Djokovic’s triumph over Carlos Alcaraz, noting that the Serbian star refused to let the Spaniard set the tempo. The assessment came through Tennis Majors, highlighting how Djokovic answered every challenge from the outset and showed a readiness to push himself to the limit.
Kafelnikov emphasized that the pivotal factor in Djokovic’s win was the way he prevented Alcaraz from dictating terms. From the opening exchanges, the Serb demonstrated a willingness to endure pressure and respond with decisive rallies, signaling a clear plan to control the match’s rhythm and pace. This approach, according to the former champion, underlined Djokovic’s experience and mental fortitude in high-stakes moments, a combination that allowed him to secure the result while staying true to his aggressive baseline game. (Tennis Majors)
Djokovic’s career milestone of completing the Golden Slam—victories at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open, and Olympic gold—underscored a resume that includes five Olympic appearances and a bronze from 2008. The Golden Slam is a rare accumulation of success across the sport’s most prestigious events, and Djokovic’s journey through that landscape has been marked by consistency, resilience, and peak performance across different surfaces and years. (Tennis Majors)
On July 14, a Wimbledon final featured Djokovic facing Alcaraz, a match that lasted two hours and twenty-eight minutes and concluded in three sets with a final scoreline of 6:2, 6:2, 7:6 (7:4). The clash captured the imagination of fans who watched two generations of greatness push each other to the limit, with Djokovic showing tactical depth and adaptability while Alcaraz demonstrated the energy and youth that have defined his rise. (Tennis Majors)
Djokovic remains a record-holder in Grand Slam titles, tied with legends for the most across men’s competition with 24. In addition to his Grand Slam tally, Djokovic’s career includes 99 ATP titles, with the overwhelming majority earned in singles. These figures reflect a career characterized by longevity, competitiveness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence on every stage he has entered. (Tennis Majors)
Throughout the Olympic cycle and Grand Slam campaigns, Djokovic has often been described as a player who leverages strategic shot selection, physical endurance, and mental clarity to outlast opponents who bring different styles and strengths to the court. The ongoing discussion around his evolution as a player continues to fascinate fans and analysts, as he adapts to new challengers while maintaining his signature level of intensity and precision. (Tennis Majors)