Djokovic Makes Statement By Beating Alcaraz In Practice, Already Working With Murray
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Novak Djokovic could be ready for a deep run at next week's Australian Open after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a practice set while his new coach, Andy Murray, watched on.
Despite being the most statistically successful player in tennis history, Djokovic may feel he has a point to prove after failing to win a Grand Slam last year for the first time since 2017.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominated the most significant tournaments in 2024. Sinner won his maiden major titles at the Australian Open and US Open, while Alcaraz secured the French Open and a second Wimbledon crown.
Despite his reduced success compared to other seasons, Djokovic's sole title during 2024 was claiming the Olympic gold medal that had eluded him throughout his career. He defeated Alcaraz in the deciding match.
Djokovic's matches against Alcaraz tend to be particularly epic. This includes two Wimbledon finals and the 2023 Cincinnati Open final, which some regard as the best Masters 1000 final ever. Djokovic won it in a deciding set tiebreak.
The task of overcoming Sinner and Alcaraz at the Grand Slams is very challenging at Djokovic's age of 37. He has lost four times in a row against Sinner, most recently in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters final.
Djokovic responded to that challenge by appointing former rival Andy Murray as his coach. They faced each other in multiple Grand Slam finals, and their rivalry was among the best in the 21st century.
Murray did not join the 24-time Grand Slam champion last week at the Brisbane International, where he lost in the quarterfinal to the big-serving Reilly Opelka. However, the Briton has been in Melbourne working with his ex-rival.
A fascinating report by The Guardian provided insight into their relationship. Djokovic and Murray did drills together before the former's practice set against Alcaraz, which sounded more intense than many professional matches.
The Guardian's report states that Djokovic and Murray talked a lot during changeovers, contrasting with Alcaraz and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who remained silent during those periods. Topics discussed included forehand technique and the timing of Djokovic's split step.
Another interesting point noted in the report was Murray asking numerous questions to try to understand Djokovic's psyche, something the pair tried to hide from each other when they were competitors on the court.
Alcaraz and Djokovic's practice set was of exceptional quality, with both men producing outstanding shotmaking. The Serbian eventually prevailed 7-5 after serving better during the important moments, which sounded similar to their Olympic gold medal match.
That was not the only practice set Djokovic played. Before their slot ended, he led Jack Draper, who recently chose Djokovic over Rafael Nadal as the greatest player ever, 6-2, 1-3.
It is important to note that practice sets are not always the best indication of who will win Grand Slams. However, news of Djokovic's high level before the Australian Open should still give his fans confidence ahead of the new season.
