Novak Djokovic: ‘I can’t consider Alcaraz my main rival, it’s always Nadal’

Between them, they have won the last three Grand Slam tournaments. The victory of Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon then that of Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open made me want to see these two explain themselves in Australia. But the young Spaniard’s injury package changed the situation. In New York, it was the man from Belgrade who was absent. In short, if these two don’t avoid each other, they keep missing each other.

This will no doubt continue to be the case in the weeks to come. Alcaraz resumed last week on clay in South America, Djokovic will return to hard court in Dubai next week. And since “Nole” won’t be part of the American tour in Indian Wells and Miami in March, the wait will go on to see them not only face-to-face, but even in the same painting. Damage.

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If the Serb has once more settled at the top of the world rankings at the expense of … Carlos Alcaraz following his 10th Australian title, the two men might find themselves tied with 6980 points in the event of a final victory for the Murcian in Rio de Janeiro (he crossed the first lap on Wednesday evening). As if they had become inseparable even without seeing each other.

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To date, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s protege is the best of the new generation. Not yet 20 years old and he has already tasted a Grand Slam title and world number one. Neither Federer, nor Djokovic, nor Nadal had combined these two feats of arms at such a young age.

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Like everyone else, the “Djoker” is amazed. He even was by his victorious comeback in Buenos Aires. “Alcaraz plays at a very high level. I mean, especially following several months away from the circuit due to injuries that were a problem for him.he said Wednesday at a press conference in Belgrade. It’s strong that he is able to find the top level right away. It is the characteristic of a mature player, of someone who has experience, which is not his case, but he shows maturity very early in his career..”

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The ten-time Australian Open winner is also very appreciative of everything the young Spaniard brings to tennis, be it through his game or his personality. “By the way he behaves on and off the pitch, he’s a great guyavance Djokovic. He has a very good team around him. So he deserves all his successes and I think he brings new energy to tennis. He is a very dynamic player and personality who is highly appreciated around the world..”

Djokovic – Alcaraz. Does tennis hold through this generational shock the great rivalry of the next three to four years? If the missed appointments of the last few months stop, it is quite possible. But in the mind of the world number one, it is difficult to turn the page of what, for him, does not yet belong to the past. “I can’t consider him my main rival, he admits. My main rival is still Nadal. Nadal has been my biggest rival and will probably remain the biggest rival of my entire career.”

Nostalgic, the Novak? No, just realistic. But still. We would sign for some legendary “Djokoraz” in Grand Slam in the future. The sooner the better.

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