"We appreciate what he's bringing to tennis, but Grand Slam is different" - Djokovic on Alcaraz at Roland Garros

| by Evita Mueller

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz could meet already in the semifinals of the 2022 Roland Garros as the Serbian warned that playing at Grand Slam is much different than any other tournament.

The two met three weeks ago at the 2022 Madrid Open where the young Spaniard later triumphed after defeating world number one in more than 3 and a half hours. In Paris, the situation will be much different as they could possibly play two more sets even after 3 hours and 38 minutes spent on the court.

Therefore, Novak Djokovic warned Carlos Alcaraz that playing at the Roland Garros is much different that in Madrid and also pointed out that he already faced a match point against Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Yet, in his next match, the young Spaniard was almost flawless and defeated the only player that beat him on clay this year, Sebastia Korda, in three sets. Speaking to media, the Serbian said:

“In Alcaraz's case, I mean, obviously, he has surprised everyone with his results this year,” Djokovic said in the Eurosport Cube. “It's, you know, he deserved it, obviously, is a hardworking guy, very talented. You know, we all praise him a lot."

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“Now it's time to go back to ourselves. We do appreciate his game and what he's bringing to tennis. No, no doubt. But, you know, Grand Slam is different, playing best of five. So, of course, the experience that Rafa and I have and guys like Tsitsipas and Zverev that have been already there for a few years, could help."

“But it's not necessarily, I think, the deciding factor in who is gonna take the win or take the match. You could see that both Alcaraz and Zverev struggled, both of them on last round saving match points. So you know you can't take anything for granted. You can't underestimate any opponent. As I said, Grand Slam really awakens, uh, the biggest motivation and inspiration to play your best for every single player.”

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