Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one tennis player, has hailed Carlos Alcaraz as the man to beat on clay. Djokovic, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, stated that the 18-year-old is a top contender for the French Open title after winning back-to-back clay court championships in Barcelona and Madrid.
Alcaraz, who began the season with the Buenos Aires crown, is poised to overtake Djokovic in the rankings following the ongoing Italian Open. Djokovic told reporters in Rome that Alcaraz is deserving of the number one ranking, saying, “He’s going to be number one after this tournament whatever happens. Deservedly so.”
Impressive performances
Djokovic praised Alcaraz for his impressive performances, stating that the teenager has been playing at a great level and is the player to beat on this surface. Djokovic also acknowledged that whether Alcaraz will be the top favorite at the French Open will depend on whether Rafael Nadal will play or not.
However, Nadal, a 14-time champion at Roland Garros, has been dealing with a hip injury he suffered at the Australian Open in January, and there are growing concerns that the Spaniard may miss the Paris Grand Slam. Djokovic stated that Alcaraz is one of the top favorites for the tournament without any dilemma.
Djokovic, who skipped the American hardcourt swing due to his unvaccinated status for COVID-19, said he hopes to reignite his rivalry with U.S. Open champion Alcaraz, with a potential final meeting on the cards in Rome. “We faced each other only once last year in Madrid,” said Djokovic, who lost that match in three sets.
“If we get a chance to face each other here, it would be in the final. I think we would both love to play in the final.”
Overcoming elbow problem
Djokovic also spoke about his recent elbow problem, which kept him out of Madrid, saying, “It’s all good. There’s always some things here and there that bother you at this level. It’s normal. When you’re not 25 anymore, I guess you experience that a bit more than what used to be the case. It takes a bit more time to recover.”
Djokovic’s praise for Alcaraz is significant, given that the 18-year-old Spaniard has only recently started to establish himself as a top player. Djokovic’s acknowledgment of Alcaraz’s current form and his potential for the French Open reinforces his admiration for the young player.
Djokovic’s words also serve as motivation for Alcaraz to continue to play at his current level and to reach the top of the rankings. The Serbian’s hope of facing Alcaraz in a potential final in Rome could also set up a much-awaited rivalry between the two players.
Djokovic’s praise for Alcaraz serves as motivation for the teenager and reinforces the Serbian’s admiration for the young player. A potential final meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz in Rome could set up a much-awaited rivalry between the two players.
