Carlos Alcaraz implements Novak Djokovic ban as tennis star targets third straight Wimbledon title

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 05/07/2025

- 14:28

The Spaniard is aiming to make it a hat-trick of victories at the All England Club

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he deliberately avoids discussing tennis tactics with Novak Djokovic, despite their growing friendship and regular practice sessions together.

Alcaraz has beaten the veteran in the last two finals at Wimbledon to establish himself as the man to beat at the All England Club.


Despite their rivalry, the duo have a positive relationship off the court.

However, Alcaraz has now revealed that he has banned himself from speaking to Djokovic about tennis - with the five-time Grand Slam winner keen to talk about 'other things' instead.

Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he deliberately avoids discussing tennis tactics with Novak Djokovic, despite their growing friendship and regular practice sessions together

PA

"Yeah, I've talked with Novak many, many times. I've watched his matches. I've practiced with him. I've watched his practices as well sometimes," stated the defending champion.

"But we have never talk about tennis, about matches, whatever. I prefer to talk with him other things, about life, not about tennis, to be honest.

"So I don't know how to answer that question, to be honest. Just trying to take some things about his game, the way he practices, the way he plays sometimes in the matches.

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Carlos Alcaraz Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz has a good relationship with Novak Djokovic off the court

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"But I just watching from outside, not talking with him and asking him some questions about tennis.

"It's just about watching his matches because I love watching him playing. I love the times that I practiced with him, just to see how he moves, how he plays, how he practices. I love that.

"But apart of that, I don't talk too much with him about tennis."

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Alcaraz was speaking after beating Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round of Wimbledon.

The world No 2 admitted that the match had been 'really difficult' - with the tennis star forced to get the job done in four sets.

Alcaraz has also described his win as 'stressful', too.

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"I knew at the beginning of that it was going to be really difficult," he said in his on-court interview.

"I had to be really focused on my serve games and the returns. I think his game suits the grass pretty well with big serves.

"I am just really pleased with everything that I've done today. I tried to make the most of the opportunities that he brought to me in the match. I'm just proud to get the win in four sets.

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to win Wimbledon for the third year in a row

PA

"It was stressful as well. To be honest, I was suffering in every serve game that I did today; love thirties, break points, and it was stressful.

"I just tried to try to run to run every ball. Try to fight for every ball, and try to see if he was going to miss some easy shots.

"I was lucky in that respect. I made the most of it and ended up making the break."