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Novak Djokovic's classy Carlos Alcaraz act after US Open controversy

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Novak Djokovic (pictured right) speaking at the US Open and (pictured left) US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz kissing the trophy.
Novak Djokovic (pictured right) sent a message of support to US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz (pictured left) and runner-up Casper Ruud. (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has praised both Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud for their epic US Open campaigns, which saw the 19-year-old Spaniard obliterate records and lift his maiden grand slam trophy.

Alcaraz created history after becoming the youngest player since Rafa Nadal to win a grand slam after defeating Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 in the final.

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The Spaniard also became the youngest ever World No.1, 19 years and four months, with Ruud also moving up the rankings to World No.2.

Nadal was quick to congratulate both Alcaraz and Ruud for their stellar campaigns.

And Djokovic has also reached out to the duo.

The 21-time grand slam champion caused controversy in the lead-up to the US Open after waiting till the last moment to withdraw from the New York tournament.

Djokovic was unable to attend the US due to his unvaccinated status.

However, the 35-year-old showed his class and praised both Alcaraz and Ruud for an epic tournament.

"Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz for your first grand slam. Amazing performance," Djokovic wrote.

He then followed it up with a message for Ruud after the Norwegian competed in his second grand slam final of the year.

"Congratulations also to Casper Ruud for fantastic season he is having," Djokovic wrote.

Djokovic most recently announced he wouldn't play for Serbia in the upcoming Davis Cup group stage matches after citing "personal reasons" for his withdrawal.

The 21-time grand slam champion was eligible to play in Spain for his country's Davis Cup group stage matches.

Serbia is due to face Spain, Korea and Canada in the teams event but it has been confirmed that Djokovic will take no part.

Carlos Alcaraz obliterates records

Alcaraz has enjoyed a remarkable 2022 season having become the youngest player to defeat both Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

And his time in New York saw US Open records tumble.

The Spaniard became the youngest US Open winner since Pete Sampras in 1990.

And he also became the youngest grand slam champion since Nadal back in 2005.

Novak Djokovic (pictured left) embracing Carlos Alcaraz (pictured right) after a defeat.
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) congratulated Carlos Alcaraz (pictured right) for his US Open win. (Photo by Meng Dingbo/Xinhua via Getty Images) (Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images)

He also became the first man in 30 years to win the US Open having gone to three consecutive five-setters before the final.

The Spaniard has been hailed as the future of men's tennis and Nadal was quick to praise Alcaraz for his remarkable achievement.

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