Carlos Alcaraz opens up on relationship with frenemy Novak Djokovic at US Open

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Carlos Alcaraz mentioned that he has a strong friendship with Novak Djokovic outside of the tennis court. However, he also really enjoys the competitive rivalry he shares with the Serbian player as they both aim to reach the final at the US Open.

The way the Spaniard plays without planning ahead is very different from Djokovic, who is very precise and effective. Even though there is a big 16-year difference in age between them, Alcaraz believes they help each other improve their game.

"Whenever we're on the court, we always bring our A-game," Alcaraz shared with the media following his victory in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday. "Our matches are always competitive and full of intensity every time we meet."

There was a big shift in the tennis world earlier this year when the 21-year-old Alcaraz convincingly beat 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in July. This victory marked his fourth major title and solidified his position as a dominant force in the sport.

But luck can turn around fast in tennis.

Alcaraz was extremely upset after losing to Djokovic in the Olympic final at Roland Garros a few weeks ago, expressing that he believed he had disappointed Spain.

Djokovic said that winning the gold medal at the Olympics was the most significant accomplishment of his sporting career.

Alcaraz expressed that he and Novak have a strong bond outside of the tennis court. They often have conversations in the locker room when they run into each other. While competing on the court, their friendship is set aside as tennis is a competitive sport. However, off the court, Alcaraz values his positive relationship with many players, including Novak.

With Djokovic ranked as the second seed and Alcaraz as the third seed, they might end up facing each other in the final match in the exciting setting of New York.

"New York is amazing," Alcaraz mentioned. "I enjoy competing here. The audience provides a boost of excitement that you don't often experience on other courts."