Serena Williams Assesses Carlos Alcaraz Potential to Surpass Novak Djokovic

Serena Williams has made it pretty clear she’s a huge fan of Carlos Alcaraz. And honestly, who can blame her?

The timing is pretty amazing when you think about it. Alcaraz’s incredible rise happened right as Williams was wrapping up her legendary career.

Williams played her final match at the 2022 US Open, losing in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic.

At that exact same tournament, a 19-year-old Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title. He beat Casper Ruud in the final after three straight five-set matches that left fans exhausted just watching. That quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner was absolutely electric.

Since then, Alcaraz has won five more Grand Slams. His most recent came at the 2025 US Open, where he managed to knock Sinner off the top spot after the Italian had been world No. 1 for 15 months.

It’s not just the wins that make Alcaraz special, though.

The guy’s style is just fun to watch. He’s incredibly athletic, hits shots that seem impossible, and he’s always smiling out there. That combination has won him fans all over the world.

Serena’s Take on Carlos

Speaking at the Princess of Asturias Awards, Williams didn’t hold back her admiration for the 22-year-old Spaniard.

"Alcaraz is doing incredible things. I’m a huge fan of Alcaraz. I always cheer him on."

When someone asked if Alcaraz could break Novak Djokovic’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles, Williams kept it real. She thinks it’s definitely possible but wasn’t making any bold predictions.

"At this point, anything is possible. When Federer started, no one thought he could surpass Sampras, and he did. Then Rafa did the same, and then Djokovic. Carlos is very young, he has great rivals, but of course it’s possible. Records are there to be broken."

She’s got a point there. Remember when Pete Sampras’ 14 Grand Slams seemed untouchable? Then Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic came along and completely rewrote the record books.

Getting praise from one of tennis’s all-time greats has to feel pretty good for Alcaraz. Especially since he’s said he doesn’t think he’s even hit his prime yet.

That’s a scary thought for his rivals.

What About Jannik Sinner?

Williams has praised Sinner’s tennis before and says she enjoys watching him play. But she’s never said she actively cheers for him like she does for Alcaraz.

That subtle difference says a lot.

Williams did stir up some controversy when she commented on Sinner’s doping case earlier this season. The Italian served a three-month ban after a complicated situation with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Williams claimed she would’ve gotten a much harsher punishment in the same situation. She was quick to say she still liked Sinner, but the comments got people talking.

Some thought she was making it about herself unnecessarily. Others felt her perspective as a woman of color who’s faced discrimination was totally valid.

Either way, it’s clear Williams has a favorite in the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry that’s shaping tennis right now. And honestly, having Serena Williams in your corner isn’t the worst thing in the world.