Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni believes Novak Djokovic is the only player on the planet capable of stopping Carlos Alcaraz from dominating tennis.
The 20-year-old is the talk of the sport after blitzing his way to Wimbledon glory on Sunday, in one of the best finals in recent memory.
Alcaraz was too strong for Djokovic, powering his way to a 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 win over his opponent.
He's now won two Grand Slams during his short career so far, having previously claimed the US Open last year.
Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni has lavished praise on Carlos Alcaraz
PA
And Toni thinks Djokovic is the only player on the tour capable of preventing Alcaraz from claiming more Grand Slam titles in the coming years ahead.
Writing for El Pais, he said: “Honestly, I don’t see any tennis player on the current scene, with the exception of Djokovic, capable of stopping Carlos’ unstoppable rise.
“Djokovic does not have many years left and I think that Spanish fans will have the opportunity to enjoy many more matches and celebrate many more victories on both hot and cold Sunday afternoons.”
He added: “Djokovic demonstrated, once again, his willingness to fight and his great tennis quality.
“Despite being 16 years older than his rival and finding himself in an unfavourable situation, he continued to cling to the match and raised his level, adjusted his shots more and managed to prevent Carlos from closing the final without giving himself a last chance in the final set.
“Although it is true that the difference in age gave the Spaniard a certain advantage, when we reached this fifth set I thought that certainly either of the two players could win.”
Alcaraz's potential is off the charts.
And he remains humble, too, recognising the efforts and reputation of Djokovic in the wake of his victory.
The 20-year-old has jetted back to Spain to spend time with his family, who live above a kebab shop in Murcia.
Alcaraz greeted reporters and said: “I'm absolutely grateful.
"Thank you so much, I'm very happy.”
Alcaraz's victory was certainly refreshing at Wimbledon.
And he's now ended the cycle of Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray dominating the competition.
Alcaraz will now start to set his sights on defending the US Open trophy he won last year with victory over Casper Ruud.
Meanwhile, former tennis star Feliciano Lopez has labelled Alcaraz a 'blessing' for the sport.
"We all know how important it is to win Wimbledon when you're only 20," he said.
Novak Djokovic has been named as the only rival to Carlos Alcaraz
PA
"I think Carlos Alcaraz is a real blessing for tennis.
"It's very rare to see a tennis player win titles when he's 20 or really challenge Djokovic in a Grand Slam final.
"I think he is very mature for his age: the proof is the courage he showed in the important moments of the fifth set.
"He was convinced he could do it. As Novak said in the press conference I think Carlos, apart from his tennis skills and abilities, possesses incredible mental strength.
"He has always had to deal with the pressure of constant confrontation with Rafael Nadal and the rest of the Big Three."
