Carlos Alcaraz isn't very confident about his chances on grass against some of the best on the surface like Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz isn't a very good grass player at this stage of his career, even though he's probably better than he is willing to admit. He hasn't played that much on it on the ATP Tour, with only 8 matches behind his belt, and the longer he plays on grass the better he'll become.
It's a process because there are very few natural fits on grass. It's not a surface on which many players play until they get to the professionals. Alcaraz certainly hasn't had the chance to stand on many grass courts so far in his life. Even now as a professional tennis player, Alcaraz didn't have access to any grass courts in Spain simply because there aren't really that many.
His practice upon arriving in London was the first one he had since last year's Wimbledon exit and not long after that he'll play his first match at Queen's Club at the 2023 Cinch Championships. Getting a few matches in before Wimbledon is very important for him, especially after his confidence was shaken by the disappointing exit from Roland Garros.
Well I have always said that I think I can win any tournament I play. Obviously, on grass it is a bit more complicated as I don’t have a lot of experience and in the matches I played I struggled on it.
He'll have to learn on the job then, especially if he wants to have a deep run at the event. Beating Djokovic is a mammoth challenge though and the very self-aware Alcaraz isn't too optimistic about that happening. He understands that grass is the least likely surface he'll beat Djokovic at. Not only because he's not that great on it but because Djokovic is among the best ever on the surface.
And obviously [Novak] Djokovic, together with [Roger] Federer, is one of the greatest players ever seen on a grass court. So, it’s already going to be complicated. I am not saying that I am not capable of beating Djokovic, but I think I have less chances than on other surfaces.
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