US Open 2023: The Tennis world is currently witnessing a new and engaging rivalry. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz – two players in an entirely different spectrum of their respective careers – have played out two epic thrillers this year. In June, 20-year old Alcaraz ended Djokovic’s winning run in the Wimbledon by clinching a five-set thriller in the final. Last week, Djokovic avenged his loss by winning a pulsating thriller in Cincinnati final.
Also Read: When GOAT met GOAT! Lionel Messi meets tennis icon Novak Djokovic in New York
“Alcaraz-Djokovic rivalry is so good for the game”
The world now wants to see more of this rivalry as the US Open is set to get underway from Monday, 28th August. Both the players enter the Grand Slam event as the top two seeds. They can only face each other in the final at New York. Like the Tennis fans around the world, former Indian Tennis ace Somdev Devvarman too wants both the players to set up the summit clash.
Speaking in an media interaction ahead of the US Open, about the rivalry, he said. “The Alcaraz-Djokovic rivalry is so good for the game isn’t it? Even the timing with which it came in. One was wondering whether Djokovic can go and win 27-30 Grand Slam titles. If there is anybody who can stop that, it is Carlos Alcaraz.”
“Alcaraz is only getting better and better. Even in his interviews, Djokovic said of the rivalry that ‘when I was at my peak, it reminded me of Nadal’. For the sake of Tennis and viewership, I hope it continues and stays for atleast for two more years.”
Carlos Alcaraz meanwhile is the defending champion in the US Open. He is also the youngest player to enter the Grand Slam event as the top seed. The Spaniard is however placed in a tough draw this year.
Speaking about his chances, Devvarman said, “We have seen how he has dealt with adversity already this year. It tells you a lot about his character. Yes, he is on the tough section of the draw. The top-half seems to be a lot heavier than the bottom. There are quite a few players out there who can beat him. But everytime when he steps out, he is going to be the favourite.”
“Djokovic redefining greatness”
Meanwhile, Devvarman was quick to call Djokovic as a heavy favourite. The 36-year old is all set to make his return to the US Open after 2021. He is placed in a relatively easier draw as he eyes his 24th Grand Slam title. “While looking at his draw particularly in New York, one really has to wonder who is going to beat him. The first real test that he will have will be against Felix Aliassime but it will be at the fourth round. If you really break down his chances from Round 1, you will start realising that Novak is a heavy favourite in every single match that he plays until the final.”
Devvarman further lavished praise on the Serbian by saying, “I think Djokovic is still motivated to extend his record and win more number of slams. He is still so hungry and is in best shape for a 36-year old, probably the best 36-year old the sport has ever seen. He is pushing new grounds and redefining greatness.”
The final Grand Slam event of the year will be played from 28th August to 10th September this year. Carlos Alcaraz will face Dominik Koepfer in the first round of the tournament. Djokovic meanwhile begins his campaign against Alexandre Muller.
Where to watch US Open 2023 LIVE?
Watch the US Open LIVE on ony Sports Ten 2 and Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5 and Sny Sports Ten 5 HD Channels from 28the August 2023 from 8.30 PM onwards.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow US Open 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
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