via Imago
Image credits – Imago
via Imago
Image credits – Imago
When it comes to men’s tennis this year, there are hardly a few who have made an instant impact on the sport just like Carlos Alcaraz did this year. With a sensational win at Wimbledon this year and multiple ATP titles, he has managed to make his bring his name to the top while making many fall in love with his game. With the impact that he has brought in, he has certainly posed some challenges to the veterans of the game.
As the 2023 year comes to an end, the young gun from Spain currently looks to struggle with form. However, despite this, many believe that he still poses a great threat to both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Nadal, who is currently out of the courts is supposed to make a comeback next year.
How is Carlos Alcaraz a threat to Novak Djokovic?
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After stepping down as the world number 1, Carlos Alcaraz has set his sights on the top spot. This is a goal that has been consistently on his mind. In multiple interviews, Alcaraz has openly admitted that Djokovic’s position at the top of the rankings gives him the motivation to perform his best and take that spot away from him. While Djokovic stands at 11,045 points, Alcaraz has a total of 8,805 points and sits in the second spot.
He has made it clear that in his daily practice sessions and tournament appearances, the Serbian tennis legend is never far from his thoughts. He also admitted that he closely watches his playing style and tries to emulate what he does to make sure that he reaches the top level.
“Honestly, the tournaments that I have already had, I’m thinking about the No. 1, being able to earn the No. 1,” Alcaraz said. “For me, that’s the main goal for right now to the end of the season.”
“He is 100 per cent. I watch his practice, his movement and the way he plays and trains and it is something I want. He puts 100 per cent in every practice and game and it is something I am trying in my game,” he further added while talking about Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz fighting for year end #1 ranking.
Marginal W/L differences between the top-2 players on the ATP Tour. 👀🎾#tennis pic.twitter.com/8RA4HuphWR
— FirstSportz (@sportzfirst1) October 20, 2023
Thus clearly, Carlos Alcaraz, at the moment poses a lot of challenges to Novak Djokovic. With the top spot already on his mind, he would be willing to do whatever it takes to win more titles and perform at his level best. This will also pose some problems to Rafael Nadal, who plans to make a comeback next year.
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How is Alcaraz a threat to Rafael Nadal?
Toni Nadal, the uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, in an interview expressed his opinion about Carlos Alcaraz. With a return for Rafael Nadal already on the cards, he would be trying to win as many tournaments as he can before calling it quits. Meanwhile, his uncle, Toni Nadal believes that for Rafael Nadal to taste success next year at the Australian Open, an injury to Alcaraz might be a crucial factor.
“He wants to play the Australian Open. I’ve seen him practising these last few days. He’s practising much better. Now what we need is an injury of [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Novak] Djokovic, and maybe [Daniil] Medvedev. We need them to have a lot of problems, then Rafa can play very good,” said Toni Nadal in the interview.
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Thus, the sudden rise of Carlos Alcaraz to stardom has certainly posed some problems to the legends of the game. While Alcaraz eyes the first spot in the ATP rankings, he would be looking to challenge for the title when he comes to play at the Australian Open. However, it is only time that will reveal how far he would go in his quest for success.
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