Djokovic 'Thinking About the Calendar Slam' Despite Alcaraz Pressure, Philippoussis Says
ATP
Novak Djokovic remains the current Wimbledon favourite and is on track for a calendar Grand Slam, but Carlos Alcaraz is likely to pose a stern test, according to Mark Philippoussis.
Defending Wimbledon champion Djokovic got his Wimbledon campaign off to a fine start on Monday, July 3 with a comfortable straight-sets win against Argentinian Pedro Cachin. But, top seed Alcaraz showed he can match the Serbian's pace as the 20-year-old cruised to a first-round victory against Jeremy Chardy.
Currently, Djokovic and Alcaraz are the leading favourites to go all the way at this year's Wimbledon. However, Djokovic has a slight edge over his younger competitor, Philippoussis told Tennis Majors, as the Serbian is likely to target the calendar Grand Slam for 2023.
"Djokovic is a slight favourite, and then Alcaraz. Djokovic has won the first two majors of the year, so of course he is thinking about the Calendar Slam. He’s got a chance surely, he’s got everything he needs to accomplish that, he was already very close,- Philippoussis told Tennis Majors
"On the other hand, Alcaraz is coming off the trophy in Queens. I feel that with every day he is getting more comfortable on the grass, which is a dangerous sign for the other. I think Novak and Carlos are a step above everyone else at the moment.”
So far this season, Djokovic added the Australian Open and Roland Garros titles to his impressive trophy cabinet, which now stands at 23 major titles. But, Philippoussis also said a few of the other contenders in the ATP could provide a threat, including one player in particular.
"You never know, anything can happen in sports and there is a lot of depth in men’s tennis right now. Djokovic and Alcaraz are above everyone else, but it doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee. (Frances) Tiafoe has been playing great, he’s won his first title on grass, there is a lot of dangerous players, but I feel that grass is always different because you need to make adjustments.”
