In advance of the Italian Open in Rome, Novak Djokovic claims that Carlos Alcaraz is "the player to beat" on clay
Posted : 12 May 2023
Prior to making his return to competitive play at the Italian Open, Novak Djokovic claims that Carlos Alcaraz is "the guy to beat" on clay.
After battling an elbow injury during the clay court season, the 35-year-old is making his ATP Tour comeback.
After having health issues in the Monte Carlo Masters and Banja Luka, he sat out last week's Madrid Open. He lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of the Monte Carlo tournament before falling to Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals of the Serbian tournament.
Alcaraz, however, has a 19-1 record this season on clay and has won three titles there, including Barcelona and Madrid.
Even if Djokovic loses his opening match in Italy, the first event this year to feature both players, Alcaraz will overtake him and take the top place in the global rankings.
"He [Alcaraz] has been playing some very impressive tennis," Djokovic told a pre-tournament press conference.
"A great level. He’s the player to beat on this surface, no doubt. Of course, it depends if [Rafael] Nadal is going to play in French Open or not.
“But Alcaraz is one of the top favourites without any dilemma. He’s been playing fantastic tennis. We faced each other only once last year in Madrid.
"If we get a chance to face each other here, would be in finals. I think we would both love to play in the finals.
"It is strange that we haven’t been in the same draw since the beginning of the season. Due to the circumstances on both sides, that didn’t happen.
"He’s going to be No. 1 after this tournament whatever happens. Deservedly so."
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