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Djokovic Passes The Torch To Carlos
11 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
It’s official now – Prince Carlos Alcaraz is the new King of tennis, the torch has been passed from Novak Djokovic.
Carlos defeated the ten-time AO champion in four sets and at age 22 became the youngest man to win the career Grand Slam, US Open, Wimbledon, French Open and now AO.
Djokovic full approves the man who has taken his throne by force, respect and an arsenal of weapons which appear impossible to stop at the moment. The sensational Spaniard has not even completely matured as a player and his peak performance may still be a decade ahead in the future.
Perhaps Djokovic respects and adores Carlos too much and he does not have that extra incentive to knock him off, motivational inspirations we all know he was fueled by to conquer Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Every time we see Djokovic and Carlos together it seems like there is absolutely nothing they dislike in each other.
Still the tennis they play is spectacular and stunning despite the sixteen year age and experience gap.
This final defeat by Djokovic may have deflated his self belief as he did not commit to promise to try to play AO in 2027, noting that he has no idea what God has in store for him next week, six months or a year in the future. There was a subconscious sense that the mighty Djokovic may not play again in Australia.
Deep down Djokovic knows he got the perfect draw set up, with the default wins over Mensik and Musetti and he could still not capitalize on that advantage. Would he have been able to beat Sinner if he had to play both Mensik and Musetti for three more sets? Very unlikely.
The luck was on his side this week but Carlos was just too strong. And he will only get stronger and better.
The big three was narrowed down to the Greatest of All Time Novak Djokovic and now the tennis crown is worn by the new King Carlos. Where the evolution of the sport progresses to next is anybody’s guess.
Carlos has now won seven major titles. Steffit Graf was 19 when she completed her career Grand Slam in 1988.
Ted Dimond artwork.
AO · Carlos Alcaraz · Novak Djokovic
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2026 at 8:17 pm
Djokovic says Carlos Alcaraz is already a legendary tennis player and he deserves every bit of praise he gets:
“The results are a testament to his already stellar career. Can’t think of any superlatives about him. He deserves every bit of praise he gets. He’s a very nice young man. Good values. Nice family. Already a legendary tennis player that made a huge mark in the history books of tennis, with only 22 years of age.”
“The first time I played him he was 11 or 12 years old 😂. No, he was 18 or 19… you could already see he was destined for great things.”
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2026 at 9:32 pm
Carlos Alcaraz says Novak Djokovic proved a lot of people wrong who thought he would never play in a Grand Slam final again:
“What he’s doing is inspiring for all athletes. He’s putting his body, his mind, his life into feeling playing the final of a Grand Slam again… Going against every person saying he wasn’t going to play another Grand Slam final.. or he wasn’t going to beat Jannik or myself.. then he comes and plays such great tennis, beating Jannik in the semifinals. Here in the final he played such great tennis. It’s unbelievable what he’s doing.”
Steve · February 2, 2026 at 2:59 pm
It’s great that Carlos plays all-court tennis. Even casual fans love when players use every inch of the court, even no-mans land. Couldn’t have imagined a better player to take tennis into the future. The fact that he often plays with a smile on his face and is filled with joy when he steps on the court will inspire many to try playing tennis.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2026 at 3:07 pm
Yes he is the right guy to succeed Novak and you can tell Carlos adores Novak the most out of the Fedal and Novak trio. He is a fabulous champion and ambassador, he has everything but a suitable arch rival or even threat to his dominance.
Sam · February 6, 2026 at 6:19 am
So you think Djokovic will never win another Grand Slam title? 😏
Not disagreeing with that necessarily, but just wondering what your perspective is. 😏
I would say he has about a 10-percent chance. At the very least, he needs to avoid either Sinner or Alcaraz—I can’t see him beating both at the same event. And that could happen in many ways, including one of them becoming injured.
Scoop Malinowski · February 6, 2026 at 8:29 am
Sam, Djokovic will need some luck for sure but he is still playing high level tennis to beat 98 percent of the ATP. I think he needs to summon that crazed dogs beast mode rage level where he screams but I don’t think he has that in him anymore, he’s become, matured into a different player. That hunger and desire may not be there as it was when Fedal were his enemy. He likes Carlos and Sinner is to boring to get excited about. Like McEnroe was never the same when Borg left, I think Djokovic really misses kicking Federer and Nadal’s behind. Those two and their backstabbing gave him extra incentives.
Sam · February 17, 2026 at 1:57 am
I think he needs to summon that crazed dogs beast mode rage level where he screams but I don’t think he has that in him anymore, he’s become, matured into a different player.
Well, Scoop, hopefully that at least that means no more defaults for him! 😏
I think Djokovic really misses kicking Federer and Nadal’s behind. Those two and their backstabbing gave him extra incentives.
You may be on to something there. Well, if he never wins another Grand Slam title, that’s fine. Never say never, though, I guess.
Scoop Malinowski · February 17, 2026 at 8:27 am
The Djokovic fire has dissipated a fraction. May be impossible to ignite that old fire vs Carlos.
Sam · February 27, 2026 at 2:02 am
It might be veru hard to reignite. Well, as long as Djokovic is playing respectable tennis, that’s the most important thing.
I’m still pretty disappointed that he dumped the PTPA, though. Does that mean he was never really anti-establishment in the first place? 🤔
Sam · February 27, 2026 at 2:02 am
Oops, make that “very hard.” 😉
Scoop Malinowski · February 27, 2026 at 6:11 am
No, Sam Novak was long the target of the establishment but now they are finally off his back.