It has now been over four weeks since Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz contested one of the great Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon. The 20- year-old Alcaraz prevailed in five stunning sets to win his maiden title at SW19. Djokovic is playing his first tournament since that Wimbledon defeat at the Cincinnati Masters. Conversely the Spaniard played at the Toronto Masters last week, suffering a surprise quarterfinal loss to Tommy Paul.
Both men were asked questions about each other during their pre-tournament press conferences. Each player gave interesting but also differing answers.
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has insisted that it did not take him as long to get over his Wimbledon loss as some may think. He said the following: “It’s not the first nor the last match I lost, so I was over it in a day. Obviously, I needed some really good time with my family, and that’s what I did.”
The 23-time Grand Slam winner admitted having regrets about Wimbledon, and that Alcaraz left him needing to regroup. The Serb said: “Of course, I was regretting not using the chances during that final. I was a set up and had some set points in the second, and felt that I was close to being in the lead. And then, obviously, some break points in the fifth. It was a close match, but well deserved from his side, because to win he played better in the important moments.
“I need to obviously move on and try to regroup and find motivation for what’s coming up, and all the challenges that are ahead of me, and that’s why I’m here.”
Djokovic also discussed the fire he has to win trophies in his press conference. That is due to all his years competing on the ATP Tour, but also because of his tough Wimbledon loss. It seems clear that Alcaraz has given the tennis legend even more motivation. The seven-time Wimbledon champion always had motivation of course. But having a young star as a rival, who has beaten him in the Wimbledon final looks to have sparked something extra in Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz struck a combination of confidence and humility when asked about his rivalry with Djokovic in his press conference. He said the following: “I like those battles. I like to know that I can lose, and I can recover it at the same time. Of course, you have to enjoy when the battle is against one of the legends from our sport, against Novak. I feel that I’m the main opponent for him. For me, it’s something crazy, and I’m trying to enjoy it.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion demonstrated his wisdom beyond his years once again. He has full awareness of what a legend Djokovic is. His incredible Wimbledon win against him does not change just how tough competing against him will continue to be. But he is also not afraid to acknowledge that he is the main rival to Djokovic. That is not arrogant nor disrespectful to his other competitors. It is Alcaraz stating the reality, and showing belief in himself.
Who are Djokovic and Alcaraz Playing in Cincinnati?
Both Alcaraz and Djokovic have received a bye through to the round of 32 due to being the first and second seeds. The defending US Open champion Alcaraz plays the winner of the first round match between John Isner and Jordan Thompson. 38- year-old Isner is past his prime, but is still a former finalist in Cincinnati, and would be a tough match in his come conditions. The three-time US Open titlist Djokovic will compete against either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Davidovich Fokina is at a career high ranking after his run to the semifinals in Toronto last week, along with seven others in the Top 50. He could provide a tricky test for Djokovic if he overcomes Etcheverry.
Will Djokovic and Alcaraz renew their rivalry in the final of the Cincinnati Masters? We will soon find out.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
