Novak Djokovic is the world’s best despite Carlos Alcaraz rise, says former world number one

Andy Roddick says Carlos Alcaraz is a ‘gift to tennis,’ but believes everyone still acknowledges Novak Djokovic is the best player in the world.

Alcaraz completed a sensational season as he was crowned year-end world number one, becoming the youngest man to ever achieve it.

The Spanish teen has won a maiden major at the US Open as well as two Masters titles in 2022 to cement his position as the top young player in the world.

However, that has been achieved against a backdrop of Djokovic being forced into playing a reduced schedule due to his vaccination status, and Roddick says 2023 will provide a better test of Alcaraz’s progress.

“This kid’s rise has been meteoric and he obviously passes the eye test for somebody who is going to win majors,” Roddick said of Alcaraz.

“To get to number one that quickly is a different story. As we look forward to next year, I think you will be hard-pressed to find somebody who doesn’t think Novak Djokovic is the best player in the world.

“But the number one ranking is Carlos Alcaraz’s. It’s well deserved. It was unbelievable to watch this year.

“I wish he was in Turin (at the ATP Finals) this week mixing it up with these phenomenal players but we want health. He has a long career ahead of him. What a gift to the game Alcaraz has been.”

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