“For him it is normal, for others it’s demanding,” Carlos Alcaraz reveals the most difficult part about facing Novak Djokovic on clay

Alcaraz may face Djokovic in repeat of last year's Roland Garros semi-finals.

“For him it is normal, for others it’s demanding,” Carlos Alcaraz reveals the most difficult part about facing Novak Djokovic on clay

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz has reached the quarter-finals of Roland Garros for the third consecutive year after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets. The Spaniard is looking to improve on last year’s result, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets while carrying a hamstring injury beyond the third set.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the current Wimbledon champion was asked about playing against Djokovic on clay. Alcaraz credited the Serbian’s ability to stay tough throughout the match and believes that players need to stay at the top of their game to beat him.

YouTube video
Well, he's a really tough on every surface, but here on clay he puts so much pressure on you in every point… the first point to the last one you have to play long rallies, like seven, eight, nine balls. Every rally at your 100%, at your best level. For him it is normal, but most of the players it’s really demanding. So I think most of the players it is really difficult to stay at this high of a level level of tennis, really high level of intensity.
Carlos Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference

The duo have met each other twice on the red dirt. Their first meeting was in the 2022 Madrid semi-finals, where Alcaraz edged Djokovic in a three-set thriller en route to his second Masters 1000 title. However, the Serbian turned the tables on the Spaniard last year in the semi-finals of Roland Garros, winning in four sets.

FS Video
Mental part is a really important part as well. I remember last year that I couldn't finish the match at my 100% because in just two sets my intensity was down. I couldn't stay at 100%. For him, okay, it was normal. I'm going to say that's the most difficult part of facing Novak here on this surface.
Carlos Alcaraz added

Djokovic and Alcaraz are on opposite sides of the draw and are projected to renew their rivalry in the final (if they manage to get there). The World No. 1 plays Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round on Monday, whereas the Spaniard plays Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Carlos Alcaraz puts on a masterclass against Felix Auger-Aliassime at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive run at Roland Garros, advancing to the quarter-finals for the third consecutive year. He thrashed Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The World No.3 showcased his dominance on the clay courts, displaying aggressive tennis and impeccable shot-making throughout the match.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz hitting a forehand shot (via Imago)

Auger-Aliassime, despite putting up a valiant effort, struggled with a groin injury midway through the second set. The injury allowed the third seed to seize control of the match. The Spaniard capitalized on his opponent’s vulnerability, employing a combination of powerful baseline shots and well-executed drop shots to keep the Canadian on the back foot.

Alcaraz displayed mastery with his drop shots and delivered several impressive passes that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. He tallied 33 winners as per Infosys Stats and leveled the head-to-head series with Auger-Aliassime at 3-3.

The current Wimbledon champion had come into this year’s Roland Garros with a lot of injury problems, with many former tennis players and pundits advising him to manage his schedule. However, this tournament, so far, has been a major boost in his return.

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