“I wanna see him play Novak Djokovic”- Brad Gilbert backs Carlos Alcaraz for Grand Slam glory
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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz
Touted to be one of the Next Gen stars, Spanish teen phenom Carlos Alcaraz is already living up to his potential. Alcaraz has had a stunning so far with 13 wins at the expense of only two defeats, one of which was a closely fought third-round clash against Matteo Berrettini at 2022 Australian Open and another was a three-set thriller against Rafael Nadal at the Indian Wells.
The young Spaniard is already making his mark as a top player. At the 2022 Rio Open, Alcaraz became the youngest winner of an ATP 500 tournament and also the youngest player since Rafael Nadal to break into the top-20. With the clay-court swing starting next month, the 18-year-old is poised to be one of the favorites to win the Roland Garros. Former American tennis pro, Brad Gilbert believes Alcaraz is ready to take on top players. In an episode of the Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe podcast, the former World No.4 said he was looking forward to a clash between Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Gilbert also predicted that the Spaniard is one of the favorites to win one of the next four Grand Slams.
“I wanna see Carlos Alcaraz play [Novak Djokovic]. I think Alcaraz is going to come on court and play him and think ‘Okay, he’s not the same’ I think if someone has to play him in the fourth round of the slam if you like to bet, put a few on Alcaraz. He’s right there and I like his chances of winning one of the next four Slams,” Gilbert said.
Alcaraz is yet to play against Novak Djokovic, but with the Serb, all set to make his return at the Monte Carlo Masters next month, a face-off during the clay-court season seems likely for the duo.
Carlos Alcaraz to debut in top-15 after Miami Open
Carlos Alcaraz continued his stellar form this year and is now in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Miami Open. The Spaniard breezed past 3rd seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3 in the fourth round. Alcaraz has looked flawless so far in the tournament and is yet to drop a set. Now he will square off against Miomir Kecmanovic for a spot in the semis. With his stunning season so far, Alcaraz is all set to break into the top-15, when the rankings are updated post the Miami Open. A title triumph would mean he could reach as high as 11th.
The Spaniard would be the favorite to win the match, but Kecmanovic has exceeded expectations so far. The Serbian youngster defeated Felix-Auger Aliassime and reigning Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz, en route to the quarters. This will be the first time, Alcaraz and Kecmanovic play against each other. Alcaraz would be keen to continue his momentum and inch closer to his maiden Masters 1000 title.
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T Rushitha
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