LONDON — Novak Djokovic has admitted to feeling a sense of guilt after a "strange" practice session with Carlos Alcaraz on Wimbledon's Centre Court ahead of this year's Championships. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, described the hit as an unusual experience given their rivalry.
The two tennis stars, who have developed one of the sport's most compelling modern rivalries, shared the hallowed grass for an informal practice session last week. Djokovic, 37, acknowledged the session felt surreal, telling reporters: "It was a bit strange hitting with Carlos here, knowing we could face each other in the final again. There's an unspoken tension when rivals practice together."
A Rivalry Rekindled on Grass
Djokovic and Alcaraz's Wimbledon history adds layers to their practice session. Last year, the Spaniard dethroned Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final, ending the Serbian's 34-match winning streak at SW19. Their head-to-head stands at 3-2 in Djokovic's favor, but Alcaraz has won two of their last three meetings, including that epic Wimbledon showdown.
The practice session reportedly lasted 90 minutes, with both players working on specific aspects of their grass-court game. Observers noted:
- Djokovic focused on his slice backhand and net approaches
- Alcaraz drilled his devastating drop shot and forehand power
- Both engaged in extended baseline rallies at match intensity
Djokovic's Candid Admission
What made headlines was Djokovic's surprising confession about the session: "I felt guilty afterward, like I was giving him information. Normally you don't practice with your biggest rivals before a tournament."
The 37-year-old explained that such sessions are rare in modern tennis, especially between top rivals: "In my early years, top players practiced together more often. Today, everyone has their team and keeps strategies private. This was an exception, maybe because we both wanted to test ourselves against the best possible preparation."
Alcaraz's Perspective
The 21-year-old Spaniard offered a different take, telling Spanish media: "Practicing with Novak is always special. He's the ultimate test on grass. I don't think about giving away secrets - tennis is about executing in the moment. If we meet, it will come down to who handles pressure better that day." Alcaraz also revealed they joked about last year's final during changeovers.
Wimbledon Preparation Intensifies
Both players enter Wimbledon with questions. Djokovic is recovering from knee surgery after withdrawing from the French Open, while Alcaraz seeks to regain form after early exits at Queen's Club and the French Open. Their practice session provided crucial grass-court reps:
- Djokovic tested his movement following surgery
- Alcaraz adjusted to Wimbledon's unique grass composition
- Both experimented with serve placements under match conditions
Tennis analysts speculate the session could have psychological implications. Former champion Boris Becker noted: "When rivals practice together, it creates a different dynamic. Novak admitting guilt shows how seriously he takes every competitive edge. This could add fascinating subtext if they meet."
The Road to Another Showdown
Bookmakers still favor a Djokovic-Alcaraz final, despite their recent form. The potential rematch would feature:
- Djokovic chasing a record 8th Wimbledon title to equal Roger Federer
- Alcaraz aiming to become the youngest back-to-back champion since Bjorn Borg
- A clash of generations with 16 years between them
As Wimbledon begins, all eyes will be on whether that "strange" practice session becomes a defining prelude. Djokovic summed it up: "Carlos brings out my best and worst - the nerves, the intensity. That's why we practiced. But part of me wonders if I should have kept my cards closer." The tennis world waits to see if this unprecedented preparation between rivals will impact another potential classic.