The line-up of the last two Wimbledon finals was on show once again during the tournament’s first Centre Court practice set, with Djokovic and Alcaraz winning five games each.
Djokovic, who was been defeated in both of those finals, was, reportedly, in very impressive form, looking happy and moving well on the grass.
“As happy as one can be,” the Serb responded, when asked how he was feeling to be back at SW19 for another year.
“You feel bad playing on it (Centre Court). It is so perfect. It looks amazing. It is a real privilege.
“Carlos Alcaraz as the defending champion gets the right, I am the sparring partner. I am happy he chose me.
“Wimbledon balls are slower than they used to be. It makes it extremely difficult to get past guys like Carlos Alcaraz when they try to get to the net.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also remarked upon the French Open final between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, which was the longest showpiece match in the tournament’s history.
In the end, it was the Spaniard who prevailed in a five-set epic, saving three championship points to defend his Parisian title.
“It is a different surface, a different style of play but what they produced in the final in Paris was amazing,” commended Djokovic.
“To be honest, I was in my country. My wife wanted to watch the final but I didn’t want to watch it. The first part of the match we went outside for lunch.
“We came back and I ended up watching it.
“Incredible, incredible match. Huge credit to both of them. It was one of the most historic matches we have ever seen.”
Djokovic will be seeking a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, which would put him one above Pete Sampras and equal with Roger Federer.
At 38, and after his recent French Open comments, the tennis legend will know that time is running out if he wants to get his hands on yet another record.
“If this was the farewell match at Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd,” admitted the Serb, after his loss to Sinner in Paris.
“I don’t know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I’m going to keep on keeping on, yes?
“Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favourite tournament. I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready.
“I guess my best chances maybe are Wimbledon, you know, to win another slam – or a faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that.
“I said it could have been my last match. I didn’t say it was. So I don’t know right now – 12 months at this point in my career is quite a long time.
“Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know. I don’t know. So, yeah, I mean, that’s all I can say for the moment.”
