Carlos Alcaraz describes his rivalry with Novak Djokovic as ‘intense’ as the two tennis giants bid to win the US Open title.
The duo could clash in the final at Flushing Meadows this year should they both make it through to the title match. Alcaraz began his campaign with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, win over Australia’s Li Tu. It was a far from smooth opening win for the Spaniard, who only managed to convert seven out of 19 break point opportunities.
“First of all, I’m really happy to get through and [have] a chance to be better in the next round,” Alcaraz said of his performance. “Obviously, I felt well on court. I think I hit the ball well. I moved well.
“[There are] a few things that I have to improve if I want to keep going in the draw, but obviously I have to give credit to him as well. He played really good tennis and surprised me a little bit in the second set. I leave the court happy with my performance.”
The 21-year-old has only played one hardcourt match leading up to the US Open which was in Cincinnati where he was beaten by Gael Monfils. Unlike previous years, he cut down his North American swing due to the Paris Olympics which was held on clay. He was denied the gold medal by Djokovic who prevailed in a high-quality showdown at Roland Garros.
While seeking to avenge his loss to the Serbian in the future, Alcaraz says the two have a good relationship on the Tour.
“Every time that we face each other, it has been a really good and intense match.” Said Alcaraz.
“We have a really good friendship off the court. 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 goodrelationship with a lot of players, and one of them is Novak.”
Another player Alcaraz speaks fondly of is Casper Ruud, who is seeded eight in the US Open draw. The Norwegian won his opening match in straight sets against China’s Bu Yunchaokete. The two recently played golf together which is a sport that helps Alcaraz ‘disconnect’ from tennis.
“He’s another level in golf. He plays unbelievable.” He said in tribute to Ruud.
“We talked a lot about how good golf is for our minds to disconnect and turn off our minds. Just to be better on court and at the tournaments. We can’t think 24/7 about tennis. You have to have your life as well. Just trying to do other things and trying to think about other things.”
Alcaraz will next play Botic van de Zandschulp.
