Carlos Alcaraz is the future and present of men's tennis, he's not an up-and-comer, but a top player already: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic at the Mutua Madrid Open - Day Four

Novak Djokovic has hailed Carlos Alcaraz as one of the top players in the game. The Serb reckons the 18-year-old Spaniard has already cemented his spot as one of the stars of men's tennis.

Alcaraz has been on a roll this year, winning 23 of his 26 matches, capturing titles in Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Barcelona along the way. After becoming one of the youngest Masters 1000 champions in Miami, Alcaraz scripted more history at Barcelona.

His triumph at Conde de Godo last week made him one of the youngest top-10 debutants in ATP rankings history. Alcaraz became the first 18-year-old to crack the top 10 since a certain Rafael Nadal 17 years ago.

Ahead of his tournament opener at the Madrid Masters, Djokovic acknowledged the Spanish teenager's incredible rise.

"I don't think he's a threat. He's already there. He's not anymore an up and coming player. He's already an established top player. His rise to the top ten in the world is incredible and super fast," Djokovic said.

The @atptour stars come together to talk to the press 💫

#MMOPEN https://t.co/mLcHU511dX

The World No. 1 added:

"To show that much maturity mentally and also game-wise for someone who is 18 years old is very very impressive. There's a lot of superlatives going around for him and his game from many different former champions. And we all agree that he's the future of men's tennis and also present because of everything he has achieved this year."

¡Un entrenamiento ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

🇪🇸 @alcarazcarlos03 y 🇷🇸 @DjokerNole practican juntos en el #MMOPEN. Sigue la sesión en directo en @TikTok_ES 👀

📱 tiktok.com/@mutuamadridop… https://t.co/mqDRV49Kch

The top seed and Alcaraz are in the same half of the draw in Madrid and are slated to meet in the semifinals.

"Last time I was here, I won the tournament, so hopefully I can perform at my best" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic hasn't had a great start to his 2022 campaign. He was not allowed to defend his title at the Australian Open, as he is unvaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic made his season debut in Dubai, where he reached the quarterfinals. However, he was unable to participate in Indian Wells and Miami due to his vaccination status.

In his tournament opener in Monte Carlo, Djokovic suffered a shock defeat against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. At his next stop in Belgrade, he played four three-setters, losing in the final to Andrey Rublev.

The Serb admitted that he's far from his best at the moment, but hopes to find his form over the next few weeks.

"I am still finding the form, not playing at the desired level, but I'm getting there. It's progress. I have to be patient and believe that I'm on the right track, which I feel I am. I had a good tournament in Belgrade, played the finals. Unfortunately, physically, I ran out of fuel in that third set, but had four tough three-setters. That's a positive."

The 34-year-old hopes to recover his mojo in Madrid this week and replicate his title-winning run from his last visit to the Spanish capital in 2019.

"I've put a good seven days of training. Hopefully, it'll pay off during the next week. Whether I get to that desired level this week - one match or a few matches - we'll see that. I'm not sure. I'm working towards that, trying to use my experience in playing this event and bringing back the memories from winning in Madrid. Last time I was here, I won the tournament. So hopefully, I can perform at my best."