Philippoussis exclusive: Djokovic is thinking about the Calendar Slam
Former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis believes Novak Djokovic is thinking about the Calendar Slam, but warns of Alcaraz danger
Mark Philippoussis watching Stefanos Tsitsipas against Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Australian Open (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)
In an interview with Tennis Majors, former Wimbledon runner-up Mark Philippoussis said he is impressed by Carlos Alcaraz’s progress on grass, but added that Novak Djokovic is still the man to beat at Wimbledon.
The Aussie is now working with Maria Sakkari, but up until recently, he was part of Stefanos Tsitsipas‘ team. The two got along pretty well, but Tsitsipas decided he wanted only one coach in his corner – his father Apostolos.
“Stef wanted one voice, it was important to him. I think that the most important relationship is the one you have with your family,” Philippoussis told Tennis Majors. “He has his father and he must focus on that. I wish him the best, he is a great kid and I hope he gets confidence and starts winning some matches.“
One of the top two seeds (Alcaraz or Djokovic), in Philippoussis’ opinion, is very likely to win the Wimbledon trophy come July 16th.
“Djokovic is a slight favorite, and then Alcaraz. Djokovic has won the first two majors of the year, so of course he is thinking about the Calendar Slam. He’s got a chance surely, he’s got everything he needs to accomplish that, he was already very close,” said the 2003 Wimbledon finalist before adding: “On the other hand, Alcaraz is coming off the trophy in Queens. I feel that with every day he is getting more comfortable on the grass, which is a dangerous sign for the other. I think Novak and Carlos are a step above everyone else at the moment.”
The young Spaniard won the Queen’s title in just his third pro tournament on grass, but Philippoussis is not surprised with Alcaraz’s level on the green lawns.
“I am not surprised because he is always doing the right things, he has a great team around him and he is always looking to improve, on and off the court. He is putting in the work, his technique on the volleys is excellent and he’s got no real holes in his game. He is feeling better and better about his game on grass.”
He’s got absolutely zero flaws, like ‘where do you go (as an opponent)?’
Mark Philippoussis
The former world No 8 is having trouble looking past Djokovic and Alcaraz, but says nothing is guaranteed.
“You never know, anything can happen in sports and there is a lot of depth in men’s tennis right now. Djokovic and Alcaraz are above everyone else, but it doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee. (Frances) Tiafoe has been playing great, he’s won his first title on grass, there is a lot of dangerous players, but I feel that grass is always different because you need to make adjustments.”
Djokovic’s win over Pedro Cachin in the first round was his 40th consecutive on the Wimbledon Centre Court, where the Serb hasn’t lost since the final in 2013. He has won the last four editions of the tournament and this year’s Djokovic is looking to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.
Asked what has been the key to Novak’s dominance at the All England Club in the past decade, Philippoussis chuckled, “Not just here! I think everywhere, right? He’s got absolutely zero flaws, like ‘where do you go (as an opponent)?’ His serving has improved, on the grass it’s even more dangerous because of his placement and the way he slides it. On the return, he is a brick wall even against the first serves, and on the second serve the opponent feels a lot of pressure. He moves incredibly well, best mover on the Tour on the grass, always well balanced. He is technically sound even when he comes to the net. Like I said, there is nowhere to attack him.“
Djokovic will be back on court at Wimbledon where he is due to play Jordan Thompson in the second round on Wednesday.
*Vasiliki Georgatou contributed to this interview
