Carlos Alcaraz is thrilled to finally be sharing the same draw with Novak Djokovic as the Spaniard is hoping to meet the Serb in the Rome Masters final.
In Rome, Alcaraz and Djokovic are a part of the same draw for the first time this season.
Previously, Alcaraz missed the entire Australian swing due to a knee injury while Djokovic missed the Sunshine Double due to his vaccination status.
Also, Alcaraz didn’t play at the Monte Carlo Masters while Djokovic skipped the Madrid Masters.
“Being in the same tournament with Novak is great, having him here and learning from him. It’s always good having the best tennis players in the world in the tournament. It’s great. I hope to meet him in the final. I always say that as a tennis fan, I always want to see the best players in the world, to watch them, learn from them, because you have to learn from everyone. It’s great to share the tournament [with him],” Alcaraz said, per the ATP website.
Alcaraz on forming a rivalry with Djokovic
Last year, Alcaraz edged out Djokovic in a brutal three-set Madrid battle.
Since then, the tennis world has been waiting to see another Alcaraz and Djokovic match.
In Rome, Djokovic spoke extremely highly of Alcaraz and said the Spaniard deserves all of his success but noted Rafael Nadal would forever remain his biggest rival.
On the other side, Alcaraz wants to play Djokovic but noted he will always be his biggest rival.
“I said before that your biggest rival is yourself. It’s not only for me, it’s for everyone. You have to control yourself, your emotions first, then playing against the opponent. You have to choose the correct [tactics and shots] in every moment. That is really tough because we have just seconds before hitting the ball. It’s tough. It’s not just for me, it’s for everyone,” Alcaraz said.
It remains to be seen if Alcaraz and Djokovic can set up a Rome final meeting.