… ‘Alcaraz, Djokovic on Level of their Own’

Carlos Alcaraz has separated himself from the chasing pack and is performing at the same level as 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, said Alexander Zverev after his US Open quarter-final defeat to the Spaniard.

Zverev was once viewed as the best bet to break the “Big Three’s” stranglehold on men’s tennis, but the 26-year-old German has failed to kick on and is still seeking a first Grand Slam title.

With Roger Federer now retired and Rafael Nadal likely to end his career after next season, Alcaraz has joined Djokovic at the top of the men’s game, and Zverev is perhaps best placed to pass judgement on the power shift having lost to both recently.

“I played Novak in Cincinnati (last month), I played Carlos here. They’re very similar from the level of the game,” Zverev told reporters after defending champion Alcaraz outclassed him 6-3 6-2 6-4.

“There are some things Novak does better; there are some things Carlos does better. I think they’re at a level of their own at the moment.

“The other guys have got to catch up. It’s as simple as that.”