Novak Djokovic thinks Carlos Alcaraz has just said something 'harsh' about tennis in his latest Netflix documentary

Novak Djokovic has reacted to a key part of Carlos Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary series.

The programme gave a behind-the-scenes look at the 21-year-old’s 2024 season, during which he won two Grand Slams.

It gives fans more of an insight into how Carlos Alcaraz manages the pressure of being a tennis player with his every move being scrutinised.

Of all the comments he made there was one in particular that stood out, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has shared his thoughts on it.

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Djokovic is at the Madrid Open preparing to compete for the title he has lifted on three previous occasions.

The 37-year-old delivered a pre-tournament press conference in which he was asked about Alcaraz’s documentary, where the Spaniard said he does not want to feel “like a slave to tennis.”

In response to the comments, Djokovic understands where his rival is coming from, but he did not agree with the word he used to describe his feelings.

“I understand that is a little bit of a harsh word to describe the feeling of being locked by the game in some way,” Djokovic told reporters. “The game of life or the game of your profession of this sport. But I do understand why he said it.

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“It is an individual sport and it requires 100% of your physical but also mental and emotional energy involved in the life of a tennis player, which is much more than just hitting a tennis ball on the court.

“So it takes a lot of your time from your year or years of your life. It is okay because at the end of the day it’s your choice.

“Not everyone has a choice, a lot of people are suffering in other areas of life, and we know that so I don’t want this to sound that we are arrogant or pretentious.

“It gives you an opportunity to do your work and to be thankful that you are doing something you are passionate about and you are successful in it but at the same time there is the other side as well. I understand why he said it but maybe he used a bit of a harsh word to describe it.”

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Novak Djokovic praises Carlos Alcaraz’s achievements

With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal retired, Alcaraz is now Djokovic’s biggest rival along with Jannik Sinner.

He has faced the Spaniard on the game’s biggest stages and battled for the top titles, and they have played some iconic matches in the process. Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in two Wimbledon finals and he already has four Grand Slams to his name.

At such a young age Alcaraz has already achieved more than the vast majority do over an entire career, and Djokovic marvelled at what he has already done in the game. “He has already reached the tennis level,” the World number five said.

“With the results at this age, it can be said that he has accomplished more than any of us (Djokovic, Federer and Nadal) did at that age, but he has a career ahead of him and plenty of time; he has everything needed to make history, to become the greatest in our sport.

“His absence [from the Madrid Open] is not good news for the tournament. Over the last two or three years, Carlos has been the number one star here with the Spanish fans, who give him tremendous support.”

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