By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, August 2, 2023

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is the only one capable of curtailing Novak Djokovic's domination, says the Serbian superstar's coach, Goran Ivanisevic.

In a new interview with Sportske, Ivanisevic praised Alcaraz as a "miracle" who played bolder tennis on pivotal points and deserved his epic five-set win to dethrone Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.  

More: Djokovic Soars By Sinner

"I keep saying the same thing, he's a great creature. As a man he's phenomenal, and as a player I won't even talk, it's a miracle," Ivanisevic said of Alcaraz. "The energy he brings to the field, the way he plays...

"He's always smiling, even when he loses, he's amazing."

Asked if anyone can prevent 23-time Grand Slam king Djokovic from extending his major domination, Ivanisevic said Alcaraz is the only true danger to Djokovic.

"Kudos to everyone, but only one player can get it, and that's Carlos Alcaraz," Ivanisevic said.

Reigning Australian Open and Roland Garros champion Djokovic withdrew from next week's Canadian Masters in Toronto citing fatigue after Wimbledon.



Djokovic plans to play Cincinnati later this month before heading to New York City where he will try to capture a fourth US Open crown, which would be his first since 2018.

Denied entry to the United States to play the 2022 US Open or the 2023 Sunshine Double due to his unvaccinated status, Djokovic is eligible to enter the U.S. now. 

His coach believes if defending US Open champion Alcaraz and Djokovic face off in Flushing Meadows it will be "even better, crazier and more watched" than their Wimbledon clash.

"[Novak is] always motivated, a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam. It's going to be a big fight again," Ivanisevic said. "It is good that at Wimbledon, but also in Paris, there was a rivalry between two players between whom there is a 16-year difference.

"Each of their next matches will be even better, crazier and more watched."

Photo credit: Sebastien Bozon/Getty