'He can do it': Novak Djokovic backs Carlos Alcaraz to continue winning streak

Novak Djokovic believes world number one Carlos Alcaraz has the ability to continue his impressive winning streak in 2026.Alcaraz extended his unbeaten run this year to 13 matches after beating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 at the Indian Wells ATP Masters on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Spaniard had earlier said that his recent success, including winning the Australian Open and the ATP Qatar Open, made him realise how special Djokovic’s 41-match winning streak in 2011 was.However, Djokovic said there is no reason why Alcaraz cannot continue winning matches and extend his current streak."He can do it," Djokovic said after his own second-round victory over Kamil Majchrzak. "He has everything that you need to have in terms of the game, in terms of the adaptability to different surfaces, and level of fitness and recovery that he has shown and matured over the years.

"He needs to keep his body healthy. If he keeps his body healthy, I mean, he's so good that he can win any tournament he plays in."Looking back on his 2011 streak, Djokovic recalled the ever-increasing feeling of confidence it brought, as well as the appetite for more success."It's demanding," he said. "But at the same time, when you are winning so much and you're riding that wave, you don't want to let go."You want to surf on that wave as long as you can, because the level of confidence is really high."

Alcaraz's run included a victory over Djokovic in the Australian Open final, where the 22-year-old Spaniard became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam."I wish him more victories," said Djokovic, who could find himself up against Alcaraz again in the semi-finals at Indian Wells."I think he's great for our sport, and what he's been doing is remarkable."