Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have practiced a few times already this year, but that didn't stop them from playing together again at the 2023 ATP Finals.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a habit of practicing against each other this year. Both might like the intensity both bring to practice, helping them to improve even further. They might also have ulterior motives, but if they keep delivering battles like the one at Wimbledon or the one in Cincinnati, fans won't complain.
Djokovic is widely considered the top favourite for the ATP Finals simply because he played so well in Paris recently. He also went undefeated at the event last year, which also contributes to the legend. Alcaraz never played in Turin before, so while a favourite, he's not 'the' favourite.
Perhaps that's why he wanted to test himself against Djokovic in Turin in a practice set. He did the same thing recently in Paris, admitting that he lost that set.
Some might say that practicing so much with your fierce rival might be bad for you, but Alcaraz doesn't mind. He spoke about that in China, explaining that he watches Djokovic in practice and learns, which isn't a bad idea, and it's not like we haven't seen this before.
For a while, Djokovic and Medvedev practiced all the time, and they were fierce rivals at the time. Sometimes, the competitive level that those top guys bring is what makes the practice more worthwhile. We don't know, but we'll see who wins the next time they face each other.
The last time, it was Djokovic, and the time before that was Alcaraz, so the rivalry is going strong. In the meantime, check out highlights from their most recent practice below. There were some pretty spectacular rallies, so hopefully, we got to see that in a live match as well.
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