Carlos Alcaraz is looking forward to potentially facing Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2023 Italian Open in Rome. Both players are participating in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia tournament for the first time this year after struggling with injuries and Djokovic’s absence from the US hardcourt swing due to being unvaccinated for COVID-19.
Djokovic and Alcaraz’s Recent Performance
Djokovic has been in great form since his loss to Rafael Nadal at the French Open last year, holding a 44-5 win-loss record and winning six titles, including the 2022 Wimbledon Championships and the 2023 Australian Open. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has been making a name for himself with a 30-2 win-loss record in 2023. The 20-year-old already has four Masters 1000 titles, a Grand Slam (2022 US Open), and 10 titles overall.
Possible Meeting in the Italian Open Final
Djokovic and Alcaraz are placed in different halves of the draw in Rome, and only a final match could see them face each other. Alcaraz expressed his hopes for such an outcome, stating, “Yes, of course [I am looking forward to playing Novak Djokovic]. It’s always a big challenge to play against Novak but as you said it’s a long run before the final and I hope to play the final here in my first appearance in Rome would be great. Of course, as you say, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Rivalries and Respect
Despite the potential for a budding rivalry with Alcaraz, Djokovic still regards Rafael Nadal as his “biggest rival.” In an interview with Tennis TV, he stated, “I can’t take anybody else but Nadal as my biggest rival. As long as Nadal is playing, as long as I am playing, Nadal is always my biggest rival. Regardless of the rankings or what’s going on, on the tour. Just because of the history of our rivalry.” Djokovic also expressed his respect for younger players like Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev while emphasizing the long-standing rivalry he shares with Nadal.
