The Spaniard’s improvisational style is in stark contrast to Djokovic’s cold-blooded efficiency and, despite the 16-year age difference between them, Alcaraz says they bring out the best in each other’s game.
“Every time we step on the court, we play very high-level tennis,” Alcaraz told reporters after his first-round victory at the US Open on Tuesday.
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“Every time we’ve played each other it’s been a really good and intense game.”
The changing of the guard appeared to be complete earlier this year when Alcaraz, 21, defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in July to defend his crown and capture his fourth major title.
But luck can change quickly in tennis.
Alcaraz was almost heartbroken after losing to Djokovic in the Roland Garros Olympic final earlier this month, saying he felt he had let Spain down.
Djokovic described winning the Olympic gold medal as his “greatest sporting achievement”.
“We have a very good friendship off the pitch,” Alcaraz said. “We talk a lot in the locker room every time we see each other.”
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“Once we step on the court, there are no friends here on tour, but after that, off the court, I have a very good relationship with many players, and one of them is Novak.”
With Djokovic seeded second and Alcaraz third, the pair could be on the verge of meeting in the final in the frenetic atmosphere of New York.
“New York is crazy,” Alcaraz said.
“I love playing here. The crowd gives you an energy that you probably don’t feel on other courts.”
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