A rally, then Alcaraz is number 1 again

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The man of the hour against the superstar, who is aiming for the only Grand Slam record this year with the 23rd title: Carlos Alcaraz (20) vs. Novak Djokovic (35). It is the top game that all tennis lovers long for, but which has been impossible for a long time recently.

Since Alcaraz knocked out Djokovic a year ago in a thrilling match in Madrid (6:7, 7:5, 7:6), fueling the desire for more big encounters, there have been only four tournaments where both have participated. All in the past year. And all without a meeting between the two. In 2023, conditions did not permit any event in which the young Spaniard and the experienced Serb could have dueled. Alcaraz missed the Australian Open due to injury, Djokovic was then banned from entering the US due to his vaccination status – and most recently Djokovic canceled for Madrid due to health reasons.

Well, at the Masters in Rome the fans can finally hope: Djokovic enters the tournament as number one, Alcaraz as number two. The meeting in the final beckons. Then, in Madrid 2022, it would be only the second ever – and could usher in a major rivalry in the months and years to come.

«Made for these special moments»

The fact that both are finally playing in the same tournament again gives the constellation in the ATP ranking extra explosiveness. Because Alcaraz managed to defend his victory over Madrid last year, he is only five points behind leader Djokovic. And because the latter is the defending champion in Rome and cannot take any new points, Alcaraz will overtake him. After a bye in the first round, the rising star only needs to play his match in the second round (Friday/against Albert Ramos-Vinolas or Francesco Passaro) – and he will be number one in the world again.

Certainly: this gives Alcaraz an excellent starting position for the French Open (from May 28). In Paris, he will be able to tackle the goal of winning his second Grand Slam title as the top seed.

The fact that he could slow down mentally after his victories in Barcelona and Madrid does not bother him: “That is not going to happen.” The only thing that worries him is possible injuries, he said recently. On the other hand, he likes pressure situations on the field, especially in the final: “I’m a player made for these special moments. I can get better at that.” It sounds like a declaration of war. And above all: after an exciting starting position for a possibly long rivalry with Djokovic.

Source : Blick