Djokovic 'Ready For Possibly Longest Match Of Season' Against Alcaraz

| by Kadir Macar

Novak Djokovic will play against Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland Garros semi-final hoping to get closer to the 23rd grand slam trophy of his career.

The Serbian endured a really match against Karen Khachanov to book the semi-final against Alcaraz and it's a match that will have a lot of impact on both the legacy of Djokovic and Alcaraz. It's going to be a match all want to see, especially after Alcaraz showed an incredible level against Tsitsipas.

Djokovic himself anticipates a really tough match, probably a long match, certainly a lot of gruelling rallies. That's what happens in the semi-final of a grand slam and he's ready to leave everything out there on the court.

I mean, semis of a Slam, I an going to fight until the last drop of sweat and last ounce of energy. I don’t know how many opportunities to fight for big titles I will have, so I am cherishing every opportunity and see this as a big chance to win the trophy.

Djokovic is quite familiar with playing big matches. He's battled Nadal and Federer and even Andy Murray for years. He wouldn't quite compare those matches to this one because he doesn't really have a rivalry with Alcaraz yet. They played one match so far but this might be the first of a few big matches this year so we'll see.

Alcaraz is a player that draws a lot of attention, but Nadal and Federer rivalries… I don’t know if Alcaraz and I even have a rivalry, so that can’t be compared. He has a lot of digging to do to reach Nadal’s and Federer’s heights, but he’s on the right path.

 He is the number one player in the world, playing at an elite level, with mature behaviour on the court – he is positive, encourages himself all the time. Grand Slam semi-final is a big event, big match, I don’t know whether my experience will help, but I will be ready for possibly the longest match of the tournament.

Read the full article

Just in

Look at more articles