‘It will be a great challenge for me,’ Carlos Alcaraz opens up on his potential quarterfinal clash against Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters
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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz is bringing some splendid form from the Miami Open where he shattered all the records recently. The 18-year-old became the youngest to win the event breaking Novak Djokovic‘s record. Alcaraz showed great character and panache to get past his opponents one after another.
The young Spaniard has now set his sights on the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters as he prepares for the Roland Garros. He will be looking for a great start in clay in Monaco and his current ranking has allowed him a first-round bye. Alcaraz will face the winner of first-round clash between Sebastian Korda and Botic van de Zandschlup to start his maiden Monte Carlo Masters campaign.
A few experts including the likes of Alex Corretja have praised the youngster a lot and feel that he has unreal potential. They want him to be level headed and keep on working on his game and soon they expect to see a player who can be very consistent and produce quality on all surfaces.
Alcaraz who hails from Murcia is often compared with Rafel Nadal mainly for his nationality and similar aggressive attitude on the court. Alcaraz has admitted that he believes Nadal is his idol but he also admitted that in terms of gameplay he is more like Roger Federer.
“I started playing when I was four and I watched the best from an early age. Rafa, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. When I started playing, I always watched their games. I’ve always had an idol who is Rafa. During all these years I have followed him a lot. Then as I grow up, in terms of playing style, I look a little more like Federer”, explained the teenager in his comparisons with Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz could face Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters
Alcaraz is already considered one of the favourites to win the Monte Carlo Masters despite the presence of some top players. With the absence of Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, things are more open for the Spaniard who is in form and his confidence is also high. Although World No.1 Novak Djokovic is featuring in this tournament on his comeback this year, the Serb will be rusty and will probably take a few games or longer to find his best form.
But here the excitement increases as Carlos Alcaraz is in the same bracket as Novak Djokovic. In fact, they can potentially meet in the quarterfinals in Monaco. Alcaraz will face either Jo-Wilfred Tsonga or Marin Cilic. Although both are veterans, people expect Alcaraz to beat them and reach the quarterfinals. The 18-year-old’s journey to the quarterfinals is relatively smooth but then he will most probably set up a quarterfinal clash with Novak Djokovic who is aiming to get back to his best form as he wants to defend his French Open title.
Tennis fans all over the world are excited to see Alcaraz go up against Djokovic. Even if the Serbian is not at his best right now. A lot of people have praised the teenage sensation following his win in Miami. But now Alcaraz has the responsibility of living up to expectations.
Pressure is something that Alcaraz does not feel and even if he feels he hides it pretty well with a poker face. His attitude and demeanour are way beyond his years as he never loses his cool even when he is down. He patiently waits for his chances and has enough quality to often deceive his opponents.
Speaking on his potential quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz admitted that it will be a great experience and at the same time a huge challenge for him. He said, “It would be amazing to play against him, it would be a great challenge for me.”
So it remains to be seen if the teenage sensational Carlos Alcaraz will come up with the upset or returning World No.1 Novak Djokovic will breeze past opponents to win his third title at the Monte Carlo Masters.
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Atrayo Bhattacharya
(193 Articles Published)