While Novak Djokovic continues to perform poorly on clay, Carlos Alcaraz assured that the Serb will have to be counted on in the coming weeks, on the road to Roland-Garros.
Novak Djokovic is not in his best form. In trouble with his right elbow for several weeks, the world number 1 suffered two setbacks in quick succession. After falling in the round of 16 of the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo against Lorenzo Musetti, the Serb lost this Friday against his compatriot Dusan Lajovic in the quarter-finals of the Banja Luka tournament, organized by his family.
For his part, Carlos Alcaraz launched his season on clay this week in Barcelona and invited himself to the last four. But, despite this, the world number 2 ensures that Novak Djokovic will have to be counted on for the rest of the season on ocher. “I don’t know if he’s the biggest rival, because at the end of the day there are players who play very well on clay and are great players on clay, the Spaniard told the press. Djokovic is Djokovic. »
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The reigning champion stays on course 7-6(5), 6-4 after some battle with ADF!@bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/z5B7gdpqGy
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Alcaraz not only sees Djokovic as a rival
But if he sees that the Serb is going through a difficult period, Carlos Alcaraz ensures that the world number 1 will be able to fill up with confidence as Roland-Garros approaches. “Even if he lost in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo and in the quarter-finals in Banja Luka, he can go to Madrid and beat you, he can go to Rome and win, so he is our main rival”says the native of Murcia.
Nevertheless, the Serbian’s current runner-up in the ATP rankings doesn’t want to focus his attention on Novak Djokovic and takes all his rivals seriously. “There are obviously great players who are at ‘Nole’ level on clay”, he added to conclude his remarks. What Carlos Alcaraz will be able to apply this Saturday during his duel with Dan Evans during the semi-finals of the ATP tournament in Barcelona. Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, will be expected in Madrid to start again.
