Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are currently engaged in a close battle for the top spot in the ATP rankings as they prepare for the final stretch of the season leading up to the US Open. Following the Paris Olympics, where Djokovic secured a gold medal in a highly anticipated final against Alcaraz, the focus now shifts to the American hardcourt tournaments.
The Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati will serve as crucial preparation for players aiming to fine-tune their games before the US Open in New York, the final Grand Slam of the year. However, both Alcaraz and Djokovic have opted to skip the Montreal tournament, allowing themselves time to recover from the grueling Olympic schedule.
While Djokovic has announced that he will also be absent from the Cincinnati Masters, choosing to rest and recuperate his knee, Alcaraz is expected to participate in the Cincinnati event. The decision for Djokovic to skip Cincinnati comes after his victory in Ohio last year, where he defeated Alcaraz in the final. The 37-year-old Serb is focusing on preserving his energy for the demanding best-of-five-set matches at the US Open.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who was recently seen vacationing in Mallorca with his brother Alvaro and friends, appears ready to return to competition. The young Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is aiming to regain his momentum after the disappointment of the Paris Olympics and will likely use the Cincinnati tournament to sharpen his skills ahead of the US Open.
The absence of Djokovic from the upcoming Masters events provides Alcaraz with an opportunity to close the gap in the ATP rankings and potentially overtake Djokovic before the US Open. As the tennis world awaits the final major of the season, the rivalry between Alcaraz and Djokovic continues to captivate fans, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the year.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Now the world no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 4th of August when he lost to world no.2 Novak Djokovic 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final in Paris (draw).
Presently, during this year the Spaniard achieved a composed 38-7 match record. The Spaniard has won 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz got to the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will compete against the world no.330 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . In the past, they have never competed against each other as of now on the main tour.
The Spaniard conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Carlos got to the final in Paris (Olympics).
The Spaniard won 16 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Ranked no.2, the Serbian played his last match on the 4th of August when he defeated world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final in Paris to win his 99th career title.
Presently, during this year the Serbian has managed to achieve an overall 29-7 match record. Djokovic has won 1 title in Paris. Novak got to the final in Wimbledon.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of August.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic squared off 7 times. Their current record is 4-3 for Djokovic. Before, the last time they locked horns, Novak Djokovic won 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final in Paris (Olympics) on the 4th of August 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic |
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