Novak Djokovic was handed a shock defeat when he lost to 19-year-old Holger Rune in the final of the Paris Masters. The match when down the wire but Rune eventually came out on top with the score 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. After the match got over, Djokovic spoke highly of Rune and even compared him to current world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Not even Federer or Nadal have done it. 👀
With a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win in the Paris final, 🇩🇰 @holgerrune2003 is the first man EVER to come back from a set down to beat Djokovic in a Masters 1000 final. 👏
Djokovic had been 30-0 in Masters 1000 finals after winning the first set.
— TENNIS (@Tennis) November 6, 2022
Rune met with Alcaraz in the quarterfinal of the Paris Masters. However, Alcaraz suffered from an injury and was forced to withdraw from the match. Rune capitalized on that and went on to beat Djokovic in the final.
As per Express, Djokovic said, “Rune has a better backhand. Alcaraz has a better forehand. But they are both improving on those shots that maybe are not as good as maybe other shot. But they, you know, when I say, you know, is ‘not as good,’ meaning it’s not a huge difference. I mean, they have great shots. I mean, great forehand from Rune or great backhand from Alcaraz.”
Novak Djokovic calls Holger Rune and Carlos Alcaraz as very complete players
With Federer retiring and Nadal suffering from continuous injuries, it is time for the young players to step up and take their place. Djokovic’s loss to Rune could mean the beginning of the end of the Big Three era. Alcaraz and Rune look like the front runners in the race to become the face of tennis for the coming generations.
The Serbian legend was lavish in showering praise on Alcaraz and Rune. As per him, both of them are very complete players considering they are still in their teenage. Alcaraz has already won a grand slam and is on course to win more in his career.
Furthermore, Djokovic said, “They are very complete players for 19-year-olds. It’s quite impressive. Also their energy on the court, just wanting, motivating themselves and wanting to do well and staying mentally present, it’s impressive.” Djokovic will have to work harder now that a young generation is catching up to beat him.
