Carlos Alcaraz had a great 2022, finishing the season at the top of the rankings after winning the US Open. However, some believe that the absence of Novak Djokovic during the recent US Open was a huge help for the Spaniard.
During a recent interview, Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he needs to adjust to his new status as the world’s number 1 and have a target on his back.
“Of course, having a target on my back from everyone is going to be a little bit different for me this year, and I have to be prepared for that,” Alcaraz commented. “I’m going to try to finish 2023 in the same position as right now. It’s going to be a long year, but of course, I’m going to enjoy it.”
Novak Djokovic
Talking about Novak Djokovic, Carlito added that he is pleased that the Serbian sensation will have the opportunity to play a full schedule in 2023 and participate in the upcoming Australian Open.
“I want to see Novak play in every tournament. I always said that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best player in the world. I’m a lucky guy to have Djokovic on tour,” said Carlito.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2022
Ranked world no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 4th of November when he had to retire when playing against world no.11 Holger Rune in the quarter and the scoreline was 6-3 6-6 .
During this season Alcaraz has achieved a composed 57-13 record. The Spaniard conquered 5 titles in 2022 in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona, Madrid and U.S. Open. The Spaniard reached the final in Hamburg and Umag.
Alcaraz will compete next in Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 16th of January.
Novak Djokovic in 2022
At the moment ranked no.5, Djokovic played his last match on the 20th of November when he defeated world no.3 Casper Ruud 7-5 6-3 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 91st career title.
Presently, during this year Novak owns an overall 42-7 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 5 titles in 2022 in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel Aviv, Astana and the Nitto ATP Finals. Djokovic was the runner-up in Belgrade and Paris.
He is also scheduled to play in Australian Open (Australian Open) after Adelaide. The main draw will start on the 1st of January.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic clashed against each other only on 1 occasion. Their current head to head is 1-0 for Alcaraz. When they played, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5) in the semifinal in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) on the 7th of May 2022.
Here are the highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz |
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