“Not good for tennis,” Novak Djokovic addresses Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open
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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic is into the finals of the 2023 Adelaide International after defeating Daniil Medvedev. He overcame the Russian 6-3, 6-4 to move into his 131st Tour final eyeing his 92nd career title. He is yet to drop a set this week as he looks to wrap up the week with another silverware.
The return to Australia could not be any better for the nine-time Australian Open winner. Given a choice where he would like to win a Major to match Rafael Nadal‘s tally of 22 Grand Slam titles, the Serb might choose Melbourne Park as venue. With nine title in 17 apperances, Australia has been his favorite hunting ground over the years.
Things might have just got a bit easier for Djokovic. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Australian leg of the Tour yesterday. The Spanish teen suffered an injury in training andis forced to miss the Grand Slam. Following the win over Medvedev, Nole was asked about his take on Alcaraz’s withdrawal and it was all class by the former World No. 1.
“Yeah, I saw that. I mean, obviously, it’s not good for tournaments, not good for tennis. He’s No. 1 in the world. Such a young player. A big name, a big star in our sport already. I’m sure that many of the fans are disappointed. I hope for his speedy recovery. Whatever it is, I know he had an injury end of last season that was different from this one, as I understood,” said Djokovic.
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Novak Djokovic wishes a speedy recovery to Carlos Alcaraz
With the season starting with the 2023 United Cup, neither of Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic played there. While Serbia failed to qualify, Alcaraz opted out of the tournament. He was looking to start his season with the ATP Tour events but his unfortunate injury spoilt all plans. Djokovic tried explaining what could be the reason for an injury so early in the season and wished for a quick return for Alcaraz.
“It happens that sometimes, even though if you have kind of longer period of time without an official tournament, that actually your body is not used to that kind of conditions and circumstances because as a tennis player you’re constantly on the road, playing competitions. When you are out of that rhythm, body can react.
“You can have some injuries and difficulties when you come back to the tour and start pushing more and playing points, giving more intensity in the points, practice points, practice matches. It’s unfortunate for him. As I said, he’s still young, got plenty of time. I hope he can recover and be back on the tour quickly,” said Djokovic further on Alcaraz‘s withdrawal.
Djokovic, the top seed in Adelaide this week, will now take on American young gun Sebastian Korda in the finals. Korda won after Yoshihito Nishioka retired mid-match in the second set, being a set down in the match. It will be the first meeting between Djokovic and Korda and the Serb will be the favorite for the match as he reaches the finals unbeaten in 33 matches in Australia.
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Sarthak Shitole
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