Carlos Alcaraz more impressive but Novak Djokovic best, says Patrick Mouratoglou

Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has given his verdict on the Carlos Alcaraz-Novak Djokovic debate. He stated that while the Spaniard's game is more impressive, the Serb will probably be the GOAT. The two players have traded the World No. 1 ranking back and forth over the last several months.

Djokovic reclaimed the top spot this week after Alcaraz suffered defeat in the semifinals of the 2023 Miami Masters. The 19-year-old took the ATP Tour by storm at the end of the 2022 season by lifting the US Open and the year-end No. 1 trophy as the youngest-ever player.

Mouratoglou gave his view on the debate. He opined that Novak Djokovic is the best player in the world, as he holds the No. 1 ranking despite missing tournaments due to his unvaccinated status.

The Frenchman lauded the Serb, pointing out that he's been winning Grand Slams for 15 years. The 52-year-old opines that Djokovic will probably be the GOAT of tennis as he came in when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominated the sport and managed to oust them both.

"The best player in the world is the world no. 1, and it's Novak Djokovic," he said. "He is not able to play a lot of tournaments for non-vaccinated reasons, and he's still technically no.1."

"Novak will probably be the GOAT," opined Mouratoglou. "He's a guy who's winning Grand Slams for 15 years. He arrived at a time that Rafa and Roger were winning absolutely everything, and he was able to arrive, beat both of them and become No. 1."

Mouratoglou also added that Carlos Alcaraz plays more impressive tennis than Djokovic and will probably be the World No. 1 for many years. However, he believes, that the youngster is not yet at a level where he can be placed above the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

"I think Carlos is more impressive than Novak in terms of the tennis he plays. He has so much power, he's so explosive physically. He also has a touch."

"I understand that people already want to put Carlos on top of him, but he's not there yet," concluded the coach.

“Carlos Alcaraz is a chosen one” - Compatriot Feliciano Lopez heaps praise on youngster

Carlos Alcaraz, 2022 US Open champion and year-end No. 1

In a recent interview, Carlos Alcaraz was hailed as the “chosen one” by fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. The former World No. 12 lauded the 19-year-old for winning the US Open and finishing as year-end No. 1 at such a young age.

"He is a chosen one, someone with charisma who reaches number 1 at the age of 19, winning a Grand Slam and who has very good values and transmits joy," said the 41-year-old.

"He represents Spain in the best way around the world," Lopez added.

The Madrid Open tournament director also pegged Alcaraz and Nadal to perform well in the clay season. However, both Spaniards will miss the opener of the clay swing in Monte Carlo due to injuries.