Carlos Alcaraz might be a two-time major winner and former world No.1 but he believes he has much more to improve following his latest clash with Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz, who is currently ranked second in the world, lost in straight sets to the Serbian on Saturday at the ATP Finals in Turin. The Spaniard won only five games against Djokovic in their semi-finals clash and produced a costly 22 unforced errors. He did at times produce glimmers of his best shot-making but they were not consistent enough to trouble his rival.
“The shot quality he has is unbelievable. He plays really, really deep. It’s really difficult to take advantage of that.” Alcaraz said of Djokovic.
“Once again, he has shown why he’s the best player in the world.” He added.
This year’s ATP Finals was the first time the two have played against each other on an indoor hard court. Alcaraz has beaten the 24-time Grand Slam winner twice so far in his career at the 2022 Madrid Masters and then in the final of this year’s Wimbledon Championships. Meanwhile, Djokovic was also triumphant in their clashes at the French Open and Cincinnati Masters this year.
Reflecting on their rivalry, the 21-year-old admits that he needs to improve his game further when it comes to playing indoors. Despite his first success at such a young age, Alcaraz is yet to reach the final of an indoor event on the ATP Tour.
“I feel like I am not at his level on indoor courts. I’ve played great matches in Wimbledon, Cincinnati and Roland Garros. I felt in those matches that I’m at the level.” He explained.
“I have to practice more, I have to be a better player. Obviously, he has more experience than me playing in these tournaments, in these courts. But he’s unbelievable. It’s not about just serving against him. He has a great return game. He pushes you to a limit in every ball, every shot.”
Vowing not to dwell too much on his latest defeat, Alcaraz believes it will help him heading into the off-season. Unlike Djokovic, he will not be playing in the upcoming Davis Cup finals in Malaga after Spain failed to reach the knockout stages.
“This match has helped me a lot coming into the pre-season,” he stated.
“Right now I know all the things I have to improve if I want to be there and if I want to beat the best player in the world.’
“I’ll rewatch the match to see my weaknesses, just to improve it and be a better player.’
“I will forget all the matches that I played against him, the Wimbledon final, Cincinnati, Roland Garros, and I’m going to focus on this match because I feel like I have to improve a lot of things if I want to stay at his level. That’s what I going to think in the pre-season.”
Alcaraz ends 2023 with six ATP titles and a win-loss record of 65-11.
