"Reminds me of Novak Djokovic" - Matteo Berrettini lauds Carlos Alcaraz after Wimbledon 4R defeat

Matteo Berrettini saw shades of Novak Djokovic in Carlos Alcaraz's game during their fourth-round clash at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships on Monday.

Berrettini made a strong start to the much-awaited clash, showcasing his serving prowess as he claimed the opening set to take an early lead. However, Alcaraz remained unfazed and he raised his level in the subsequent sets, countering the Italian's serve effectively to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Following his defeat, Matteo Berrettini was asked about his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz's skills as a returner. He praised the World No.1's exceptional reaction times, particularly highlighting Alcaraz's effective use of the slice.

"I think his reaction times are unbelievable. He goes with a slice on the first serve. When he does, he has a great feel, great hands. It's always tough," he said in his post-match interview.

Berrettini also talked about the challenge of coming up against the Spaniard's defensive play, acknowledging Alcaraz's ability to anticipate his opponent's moves.

"You know the first shot, you have to be precise, because he likes to play in defense. That's the tricky part. He's staying so close on the second serve. Doesn't matter if you mix it up, he's always finding the right time," he said.

The Italian then drew a comparison between Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic and emphasized their similar reflexes and quick reaction times.

"Reminds me of Novak a little bit, this kind of like reflex, time of reaction. Like a server, I feel this. But I also feel when I found the right rhythm, he didn't like that. It's a matter of few things. Today he was better than me," he added.

Wimbledon 2023 QF: Novak Djokovic to take on Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz to lock horns with Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic advances to Wimbledon 2023 QF

Four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic will continue his quest to match Roger Federer's Wimbledon title record when he takes on Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. The Serb has won the grasscourt Major seven times, just one shy of Federer's tally.

Rublev earned his quarterfinal spot after claiming a hard-fought win over Alexander Bublik in five closely contested sets. The Russian has now achieved the feat of reaching the quarterfinals at every Grand Slam.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Carlos Alcaraz will face Holger Rune for a spot in his maiden semifinal at the grasscourt Major.

Rune, on the other hand, secured a comeback win over Grigor Dimitrov to book his quarterfinal spot.

Should Djokovic and Alcaraz win their respective quarterfinal and semifinal matches, they will face off in a blockbuster final at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships on Sunday.