Novak Djokovic’s staggering Rafael Nadal comment on Carlos Alcaraz forward of French Open semifinal conflict

All of simply 20, Alcaraz is aiming for his second Grand Slam title. Having defeated Casper Ruud within the remaining final September within the US Open, Alcaraz had lifted maiden main in New York. He later missed the Australian Open owing to an damage, the place Djokovic had lifted his twenty second Grand Slam title and tenth in Melbourne, however is now raring to make up for the miss with a second Slam of his profession in Paris. His staggering rise in world tennis, and dominance throughout floor sees him being broadly thought to be the inheritor of the Massive Three.

After a win towards Karen Khachanov within the quarters, Djokovic was requested concerning the affect of Alcaraz within the sport, though the younger Spaniard was nonetheless then because of make his qualification within the semis, the Serb in contrast him to Nadal. Djokovic mentioned: “Well, he carries himself very well. No doubt very nice guy on and off the court. Brings a lot of intensity on the court. Reminds me of someone [Rafa Nadal] from his country that plays with a left hand (smiling). He deserves his success, no doubt. He’s working hard, and he very complete player already and only age 20 – 19, 20?

“So we performed solely as soon as in Madrid final 12 months, 7-6 within the third for him. We’ve not performed since. Yeah, you are proper, a lot of the tournaments this 12 months we weren’t in the identical draw however right here we’re. If it involves that match, that is the match that, you already know, lots of people need to see.

“It’s definitely the biggest challenge for me, you know, so far in the tournament. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He’s definitely a guy to beat here. I’m looking forward to that.

“However, he has to win towards Tsitsipas, let’s not overlook about that. We can not disrespect Stefanos who has performed finals right here and is prime, prime participant for a few years. So let’s have a look at what occurs tonight.”

Alcaraz on Wednesday made his maiden Roland Garros semis after a straight-set win against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Last year. In his maiden year in 2021, he had made a third-round exit before bettering it with a quarterfinal show in 2022.