Novak Djokovic believes there is no reason why Carlos Alcaraz can’t keep his unbeaten 2026 run going due to his ability to adapt to different surfaces in the sport.
Alcaraz is currently on a 13-match winning streak, claiming the Australian Open and Qatar Open titles. Out of those matches, Djokovic is one of three players to have taken a set off him in Melbourne. The others to do so were Alexander Zverev in Australia and Karen Khachanov in Doha. Alcaraz’s latest triumph was a 6-2, 6-3 dismissal of Grigor Dimitrov in Indian Wells on Saturday.
Djokovic knows all too well what it is like to deal with the pressure of trying to maintain a winning run. In 2011, he started the season by winning 41 consecutive matches. A remarkable streak, but one he believes Alcaraz is capable of matching or even breaking one day.
“He can do it. He has everything that you need to have in terms of the game, in terms of the adaptability to different surfaces, and the level of fitness and recovery that he has shown and matured over the years,” Djokovic said after beating Kamil Majchrzak 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
“He needs to keep his body healthy. If he keeps his body healthy, I mean, he’s so good that he can win any tournament he plays in.”
Djokovic could have a rematch against Alcaraz in Indian Wells should they both make it to the semi-finals. In his section of the draw, he will next play Aleksandar Kovacevic and then possibly defending champion Jack Draper in the fourth round.
“He’s been doing some historic things in our sport for such a young age,” he said of Alcaraz.
“Winning 40-plus matches, and I have had a couple other runs, as well, at the beginning of different seasons where I had 25-plus, I think, twice, it’s demanding.
“But at the same time, it feels like when you are winning so much and you’re riding that wave, you don’t want to let go of that wave.
“I wish him many more victories. I think he’s great for our sport, and what he’s been doing is remarkable.”
As for himself, Djokovic confirmed his intention to keep playing on the Tour with a possible goal of defending his title at the 2028 Olympic Games when he will be 41-years-old. He is the second-oldest player in the top 100 after Stan Wawrinka, who is retiring at the end of this season.
“That’s one of the long-term goals, to reach the Olympics. That would be nice,” he said.
“It’s still a long way off. I think at my age and this stage of my career, every year seems like a longer period than it is for anyone who is younger.
“But I’ll try to make it, definitely one of the motivations, so I’ll try to be there.”
Djokovic is seeking a record seventh Indian Wells title this year.
