Carlos Alcaraz has never hidden his admiration for Novak Djokovic, despite spending recent years trying to dethrone the legend on the biggest stages.
The Spaniard demonstrated it again after the ATP invited fans and playes to decide which star possesses the best “Spidey moves.”
Alcaraz joined Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in a collection of spectacular images showing all four champions stretching their bodies to seemingly impossible positions.
However, the seven-time Major champion had no intention of voting for himself. Carlos picked Novak without hesitation, declaring there was “not even a discussion” and adding an eye-roll emoji to emphasize how obvious he considered the choice.
Alcaraz gives Djokovic the ultimate movement compliment
The ATP’s selection offered four very different examples of elite athleticism. Carlos was pictured sliding into an enormous stretch on grass, while Rafa produced one of his trademark clay-court defensive positions.
Murray demonstrated his exceptional reach at his beloved Wimbledon. Yet Novak’s image arguably explains why the Spaniard immediately selected the 24-time Major winner.
The Belgrade native is presented virtually horizontal above the clay, with most of his body hovering only centimeters from the surface while he remains sufficiently balanced to control his racket and play the ball.
It is an ability Djokovic has displayed throughout his career. His flexibility allows him to defend positions that would leave most players unable to control either their body or the subsequent stroke. Â
Novak’s balance remains extraordinary at 39
Perhaps the most remarkable element is how much of that athletic ability the Serb has retained deep into his career. At 39, the legend can still slide into extremely low positions while keeping his upper body controlled.
His center of gravity can drop dramatically without destroying his balance, allowing him not merely to reach difficult balls but often to produce a meaningful response.
That distinction is important. Extreme flexibility alone does not explain Djokovic’s defensive brilliance. His movement combines flexibility, core strength, coordination and exceptional awareness of where his body is positioned during a slide.
Alcaraz knows those qualities better than most after sharing the court with the veteran in some extraordinary encounters that pushed them both to physical and mental limits.