US Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz on Novak Djokovic rivalry after win - ‘Once we step on court, there are no friends’ - Eurosport
Posted on 28/08/2024 at 07:49 Greenwich Mean Time
Alcaraz Talks Djokovic Dynamic On & Off Court
Alcaraz discusses his match against Djokovic after winning his opening round at the US Open. He mentions the competitive relationship they have on the court.
Carlos Alcaraz shared some inside information about his competition with Novak Djokovic after securing his place in the second round of the US Open.
The competition between them has captured the attention of tennis and sports fans, especially because they are in different stages of their careers.
Djokovic, who is 37 years old, and Alcaraz, who is 21, are from different generations. If they play against each other, it will be a battle between experience and youth. They might have a chance to meet again in the final in New York if they both continue to do well in the tournament.
Alcaraz confessed that he has a strong bond with his competitor off the tennis court, but once they start playing, their friendship is put on hold.
"Of course, we have a strong rivalry," Alcaraz stated. "Each time we compete on the court, we play at a very high level of tennis."
"Whenever we have competed against one another, the matches have always been highly competitive and exciting."
Yeah, we have a strong bond outside of the game. We often chat in the locker room whenever we cross paths, including with his teammates.
When we start playing on the court, we are not friends, but off the court, I get along very well with many players. One of them is Novak.
Standout performances: Alcaraz and Paolini excel in their matches, but Raducanu is eliminated in the opening round.
Djokovic is aiming to win his 25th Grand Slam title, which would make him the record holder, while Alcaraz is hoping to secure his second US Open victory and fifth major title overall.
It would also be Alcaraz's third consecutive Grand Slam win, after triumphing at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Following his defeat to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati, his form was in doubt. However, he was satisfied with how he played against Tu in the next match.
He breezed through the first set in 29 minutes before the Australian wildcard fought back to win the second set.
Alcaraz made sure that was only a minor setback, though, by securing a 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory in two hours and 44 minutes on Arthur Ashe.
"I'm thrilled to have made it through and am looking forward to improving in the next round," Alcaraz expressed in his post-game conference.
I felt good when I was playing. I believe I was hitting the ball effectively and moving smoothly on the court.
There are a couple of areas where I need to get better if I want to continue progressing in the tournament. I also have to acknowledge that my opponent did play very well and caught me off guard in the second set.
"Afterward, I am content with how I played on the court."
Alcaraz is set to compete against Botic van de Zandschulp in his next match, with a possible third-round showdown against Britain's Jack Draper on the horizon.
Tune in to catch all the action of the 2024 Laver Cup as it happens, streaming live on Eurosport and discovery+.
Join over three million users on our app.
Keep yourself informed with the most current updates, outcomes, and live sporting events.
