Novak Djokovic theory dispelled as Carlos Alcaraz admits Serb 'more difficult' than Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that Novak Djokovic has an underrated weapon after defeating the world No 1 in their first-ever meeting on Saturday. The 19-year-old became the first man ever to beat Djokovic and Rafael Nadal back-to-back on clay en route to the Madrid Open title last week, but said it was the Serb who had the most difficult serve to read and return.

Alcaraz managed to get his first victory over Nadal in three attempts in the Madrid quarter-finals and backed it up by beating Djokovic in their first career meeting the following day. The world No 6 has now claimed the Serb was his toughest opponent of the week when it came to returning his serve and not his fellow Spaniard.

The world No 1 is known for being a solid returner with one of the best two-handed backhands in the game but his serve has often been overlooked for the taller, big-serving guys like John Isner and Reilly Opelka. But the 19-year-old has confessed that Djokovic's serve is the toughest he's faced yet after defeating the Serb 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5).

"Djokovic is not considered a great server, but, for me, he has been the player who has made it the most difficult for me to return his service," the five-time title winner told Marca. "I couldn't read his directions of the serve and that's what impressed me the most."

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