'I Expected To Play Against Carlos': Djokovic Disappointed To Miss Out On Alcaraz Clash

| by Evita Mueller

Novak Djokovic didn't get to play Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 US Open, and we won't get the matchup at the Davis Cup either, leaving many disappointed.

It was supposed to be a great matchup between the golden boy of tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, on home soil with the passionate Spanish crowd behind him against the 'villain' of tennis, Novak Djokovic. The match was heavily advertised ever since Spain and Serbian ended up in the same group, but we won't get it.

Djokovic followed up on his promise to play for Serbia despite the exhausting US Open run, but Alcaraz elected to skip over the Davis Cup. The timing really isn't ideal coming just a few days after a Grand Slam, but it's been a few years like that, so it's nothing strange for the players.

After touching down in Valencia, Djokovic spoke about his upcoming matches in the Davis Cup referencing the the match that wasn't to be against Alcaraz.

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The truth is that I expected to play against Carlos here in Valencia, he is a player I respect a lot, whenever I have measured him they have been very hard matches, he is a person and an incredible player.

First with Rafa, now with Alcaraz, Spain has a great tradition in tennis. But hey, I'm from Serbia and these days I'm going to do everything I can to beat Spain.

Djokovic has a few goals in mind regarding tennis and Serbia. He'd like to win the Davis Cup once more before he calls it quits, and his participation this year is towards that goal. Another goal is to grab a medal for Serbia, gold preferably at next year's Olympic Games in Paris.

We'll see if he gets it done, but after winning three out of four Grand Slams this year, let's just say stranger things have happened in tennis.

WATCH: Djokovic Arrives In Valencia In A Bid To Help Serbia At Davis Cup
WATCH: Djokovic Arrives In Valencia In A Bid To Help Serbia At Davis Cup

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