Alcaraz hunts his rival: ‘Think of Djokovic in almost every training’

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These are the highlights of the tennis year so far: the very spectacular, dramatic duels between Carlos Alcaraz (20) and Novak Djokovic (36). In Wimbledon with the better ending for the Spaniard, in Roland Garros and Cincinnati for the Serbian. It is the poster “that everyone wants to see,” says Blick tennis expert Heinz Günthardt (64). One that is suitable as a successor to the era of the ‘Big 3’ Roger Federer (42), Rafael Nadal (37) and Djokovic.

The latter made no secret of the fact in the summer that he felt reinvigorated by the young all-rounder. Alcaraz explains to the 24-time Grand Slam winner what makes him so irresistible despite his old age. The record man reached the final of every Grand Slam tournament this year and won the title three times.

At the start of the Masters tournament in Shanghai, Alcaraz revealed that drive and admiration also work the other way around. The youngster from Murcia says: “I won’t lie: I think about Djokovic almost every training session.” Together with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero (43), once winner of the French Open and number one in the world, he analyzes ‘Djoker’ down to the smallest detail: ‘Novak is 100 percent focused. When I look at his training, his movements and his playing style, it’s something I really want. Just as he always gives 100 percent, I try to do the same in my game.”

Confrontation in Paris-Bercy?

Alcaraz also encourages himself with ambitious intermediate goals: “I approach the remaining tournaments with a clear plan: I want to end the year as number one.” He is currently ranked second in the ‘Race to Turin’, the annual ranking relevant to the ATP finals in the Italian city. With 580 points behind Djokovic.

If he reaches the final in Shanghai (Monday in the round of 16 against Daniel Evans, 33, ATP 33), he would already overtake his competitor. He also had the tournaments in Tokyo, Basel or Paris-Bercy, with Djokovic returning to the latter after a long break. It is quite possible that tennis fans will be able to enjoy such a blockbuster match again before the ATP final. (mpe)

Source : Blick