LONDON — Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has accused rising star Carlos Alcaraz of showing disrespect during a practice session ahead of Wimbledon, reigniting discussions about sportsmanship and etiquette in professional tennis. The incident occurred during a pre-tournament training session at the All England Club, where the two players shared the court.
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, reportedly took issue with Alcaraz’s behavior during their practice, which included what he perceived as excessive celebrations and a lack of acknowledgment during drills. According to sources close to the Serbian player, "Novak felt Carlos was being unnecessarily flashy and didn’t show the respect he expects from a younger player."
The Practice Session Controversy
Witnesses described the session as tense, with Djokovic visibly frustrated at several points. Alcaraz, known for his energetic and expressive style, was seen fist-pumping after winning points in practice rallies—a habit that reportedly irked Djokovic. "It’s one thing to be competitive, but there’s a line between intensity and disrespect," a source close to Djokovic’s camp revealed.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner is known for his meticulous approach to practice sessions, treating them with the same seriousness as match play. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has often been praised for bringing youthful exuberance to the court. However, Djokovic’s comments suggest a clash of styles and expectations.
Key Moments from the Session
Several specific incidents reportedly fueled Djokovic’s frustration:
- Alcaraz’s loud celebrations after winning practice points
- A perceived lack of eye contact during handshakes between drills
- Djokovic’s request for more structured play being ignored
Djokovic’s Public Remarks
When asked about the session during a press conference, Djokovic didn’t hold back: "There are unwritten rules in tennis, especially when practicing with a fellow competitor. You show respect, you keep it professional. Some of the behavior I saw crossed that line."
The Serbian star emphasized that his comments weren’t personal but rather about maintaining standards in the sport. "I’ve always had great respect for Carlos’s game, but respect is a two-way street," he added.
Alcaraz’s Response
The young Spaniard, currently ranked world No. 1, seemed surprised by the criticism. In his own press briefing, Alcaraz stated: "I always try to bring my best energy to every session. If Novak felt disrespected, that wasn’t my intention. I have huge respect for him."
Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, defended his protégé’s approach: "Carlos plays with passion—that’s why fans love him. There was no malice in his actions."
Tennis Community Reactions
The incident has divided opinions within the tennis world. Some veterans sided with Djokovic’s stance on etiquette, while others argued that Alcaraz’s style represents the evolution of the sport.
Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker commented: "There’s a generational difference here. Novak comes from an era where practice was strictly business. Carlos represents the new school."
Historical Context
This isn’t the first time Djokovic has clashed with younger players over on-court behavior. In 2021, he had a similar disagreement with Jannik Sinner during a practice session at the Australian Open.
However, it’s worth noting that Djokovic himself faced criticism early in his career for what some saw as excessive celebrations. "The student has become the teacher," tennis analyst Mary Carillo observed.
Looking Ahead
With both players expected to be top contenders at Wimbledon, all eyes will be on a potential matchup. Tennis fans are now wondering:
- Will this incident add extra spice to their next meeting?
- Could it affect their off-court relationship?
Djokovic concluded his remarks by saying: "This won’t change how I prepare or compete. I just hope we can all remember what makes tennis special."
As Wimbledon begins, the tennis world will be watching to see if this practice session controversy becomes a footnote or develops into a more significant storyline of the tournament.