'Grand Slam is different' - Novak Djokovic feels experience could help in any Carlos Alcaraz battle at French Open

Novak Djokovic has told Eurosport that a lack of Grand Slam experience could be Carlos Alcaraz’s Achilles heel at the French Open. The Spanish teenager has had a stellar season, with big wins over the likes of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev to his name. Ad/> He arrived in Paris with Barcelona Open and Madrid Open titles under his belt, suggesting he could be a serious contender.

/> Roland-GarrosFantastic FAA, Nadal magic, Terrific Teichmann — French Open Top 5 shots Day 626 MINUTES AGO Alcaraz proved five sets are no obstacle, as he beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas in four and a half hours in the second round. He followed that win with a sizzling 6-4 6-4 6-2 to demolition of Sebastian Korda — the only player to have beaten him on clay this year. Alcaraz is in the same half of the draw as Nadal and Djokovic, and while the latter has been hugely impressed with the 19-year-old — he feels Grand Slam tennis is a big test.

“In Alcaraz's case, I mean, obviously, he has surprised everyone with his results this year,” Djokovic said in the Eurosport Cube. “It's, you know, he deserved it, obviously, is a hardworking guy, very talented. You know, we all praise him a lot.

“Now it's time to go back to ourselves. We do appreciate his game and what he's bringing to tennis. No, no doubt." Djokovic storms past Bedene to set up Schwartzman showdown He destroyed Korda' — Henman wowed by Alcaraz Djokovic feels the only thing lacking from Alcaraz's locker is Grand Slam experience.

“But, you know, Grand Slam is different, playing best of five," Djokovic said. “So, of course, the experience that Rafa and I have and guys like Tsitsipas and Zverev that have been already there for a few years, could help. “But it's not