Carlos Alcaraz relishes his rivalry with Novak Djokovic, as the pair may be headed for a final showdown at the U.S. Open. Despite their intense on-court battles, Alcaraz cherishes their off-court friendship.
Bollywood Fever: Carlos Alcaraz enjoys a strong friendship with Novak Djokovic off the court, but the young Spaniard also thrives on the intense rivalry they share on it, as the two tennis stars move toward a possible final clash at the U.S. Open.
Alcaraz’s improvisational style contrasts sharply with Djokovic’s cold-blooded efficiency, yet despite their 16-year age difference, Alcaraz believes they bring out the best in each other.
“Every time that we step on the court, we play really high-level tennis,” Alcaraz said after his first-round win at the U.S. Open on Tuesday. “Every time that we face each other, it has been a really good and intense match.”
Earlier this year, it seemed a changing of the guard was complete when the 21-year-old Alcaraz defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, defending his crown and claiming his fourth major title.
However, tennis fortunes can shift quickly. Alcaraz was visibly devastated after losing to Djokovic in the Olympic final at Roland Garros earlier this month, expressing that he felt he had let down Spain. For Djokovic, winning the Olympic gold medal was his “biggest sporting achievement.”
Despite their fierce competition, Alcaraz spoke warmly about his relationship with Djokovic off the court. “We have a really good friendship off the court,” Alcaraz shared. “We talk a lot in the lockers every time that we see each other around.
Once we step on the court, there are no friends here on tour, but after that, after the court, I have a really good relationship with a lot of players, and one of them is Novak.”
With Djokovic seeded second and Alcaraz third, the pair could be on a collision course to meet in the final amidst the electrifying atmosphere of New York.
“New York, it’s crazy,” Alcaraz said. “I love playing here. The crowd gives you an energy that probably you don’t feel in other courts.”
As the U.S. Open progresses, tennis fans eagerly anticipate a potential final showdown between these two titans of the sport.
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